Gold prices have surged above $5,000 an ounce for the first time, driven by escalating uncertainty and volatility under the Trump administration. The record high was reached on Monday morning before easing back slightly, with gold settling at $5,091 - a 2.2% gain.
The jump in gold prices has been fueled by concerns over Trump's chaotic policies, including his recent threat to Canada with 100% tariffs if they make a deal with China, and his showdown with Europe over the future of Greenland. These developments have created an atmosphere of heightened anxiety on international financial markets.
Gold has become increasingly attractive as investors seek safe havens from stocks and bonds that are heavily influenced by Trump's erratic policy shifts. Analyst Ross Norman notes that "there has been a vaporising of trust" in the US administration, leading to a movement away from the dollar and dollar assets. He predicts gold will reach $6,400 an ounce this year, with an average price of $5,375 over 2026.
The rise in gold prices is being driven by concerns that Trump's administration may weaken the US dollar to boost domestic manufacturing. A weaker dollar would undermine the value of US Treasury bonds, making gold a more attractive alternative as a store of value. Analyst Steve Miller describes the jump as "the most spectacular" he has seen in his 40 years in financial markets.
Another factor contributing to the surge in gold prices is Japan's new administration, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She has pledged to cut taxes to address spiralling food costs, which has sparked concerns among international investors about the impact on Japan's already high debt levels - equivalent to 230% of its economy.
The yen has recovered some of its value against the dollar after speculation that the US Federal Reserve had intervened to buy the currency. However, analysts believe that the Fed may still take steps to weaken the dollar to achieve its policy goals.
The jump in gold prices has been fueled by concerns over Trump's chaotic policies, including his recent threat to Canada with 100% tariffs if they make a deal with China, and his showdown with Europe over the future of Greenland. These developments have created an atmosphere of heightened anxiety on international financial markets.
Gold has become increasingly attractive as investors seek safe havens from stocks and bonds that are heavily influenced by Trump's erratic policy shifts. Analyst Ross Norman notes that "there has been a vaporising of trust" in the US administration, leading to a movement away from the dollar and dollar assets. He predicts gold will reach $6,400 an ounce this year, with an average price of $5,375 over 2026.
The rise in gold prices is being driven by concerns that Trump's administration may weaken the US dollar to boost domestic manufacturing. A weaker dollar would undermine the value of US Treasury bonds, making gold a more attractive alternative as a store of value. Analyst Steve Miller describes the jump as "the most spectacular" he has seen in his 40 years in financial markets.
Another factor contributing to the surge in gold prices is Japan's new administration, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. She has pledged to cut taxes to address spiralling food costs, which has sparked concerns among international investors about the impact on Japan's already high debt levels - equivalent to 230% of its economy.
The yen has recovered some of its value against the dollar after speculation that the US Federal Reserve had intervened to buy the currency. However, analysts believe that the Fed may still take steps to weaken the dollar to achieve its policy goals.