Gold prices have surged to a record high, driven by expectations of further US interest rate cuts and renewed trade tensions between the US and China. As of 07:04 AM WAT, spot gold rose 1.1% to $4,185.59 per ounce, after reaching a peak of $4,193.38 earlier in the session. US gold futures for December delivery also gained 1% to $4,204.30.

The uptrend in gold prices is attributed to a low-interest-rate environment and ongoing economic uncertainty. Investors are increasingly pricing in a near-certain chance of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in both October and December. This has led to a significant increase in safe-haven demand, with gold gaining 59% year-to-date. The surge is driven by multiple factors, including geopolitical and economic uncertainties, expectations of US rate cuts, central bank buying, de-dollarisation trend, and robust exchange-traded fund inflows.

Other precious metals also saw significant gains, with silver rising 1.9% to $52.43 and platinum climbing 0.8% to $1,644.49. Palladium also increased by 0.8% to $1,537.19. The rally in precious metals comes amidst concerns over the US government shutdown and the potential for an asset bubble in equity markets.

The price of gold broke the $4,000 barrier for the first time last Wednesday, driven by expectations of US interest rate cuts and trade worries. The ongoing trade war between the US and China, as well as global economic uncertainty, has led to a significant increase in gold prices this year. Traders have been piling into gold, pushing it up more than 50% since the start of the year.

The surge in gold prices is a reflection of the ongoing economic uncertainty and trade tensions. As investors continue to seek safe-haven assets, gold is likely to remain a key focal point. The upcoming Fed rate cuts and ongoing trade negotiations will be closely watched by investors, with potential implications for gold prices and the broader economy.