Gold Prices Exceed Record Levels Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

SadaNews Economy - The price of gold surpassed $4,600 per ounce for the first time today, Monday, while silver prices soared to an all-time high, supported by a state of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as well as rising expectations for a reduction in U.S. interest rates.

Gold prices in the spot market have risen to $4,571.50 per ounce, after the precious metal recorded a new record level of $4,600.33 earlier in the session.

U.S. gold futures for February rose by 1.7% to $4,578.00.

In political context, a human rights organization said yesterday, Sunday, that unrest in Iran has resulted in the deaths of more than 500 people, while Tehran threatened to target U.S. military bases if President Donald Trump follows through on his renewed threats to strike the country in support of the protesters.

The Iranian unrest comes at a time when Trump is showcasing U.S. strength on the international stage, following his ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and discussing acquisition of Greenland either through purchase or use of force.

Data released on Friday showed that employment growth in the United States slowed at a pace that exceeded expectations during December, amid job losses in the construction, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Nevertheless, the drop in the unemployment rate indicated that the labor market has not deteriorated rapidly.

Investors currently expect the Federal Reserve (the U.S. central bank) to cut interest rates at least twice during this year, as the weakness in the labor market boosts the chances of such a move.

According to HSBC, gold prices may rise to $5,000 per ounce during the first half of 2026, amid rising geopolitical risks and increasing debt levels.

In other metals markets, silver in the spot market jumped by 4.4% to $83.50 per ounce, after recording a new record level of $83.96 earlier today.

Platinum also increased in the spot market by 2.9% to $2,338.54 per ounce, after reaching its highest record at $2,478.50 on December 29.

Palladium also rose by 4.2% to reach $1,892.18 per ounce.