Gold surges past $3,100 as US tariffs, uncertainty propel safe-haven flows

Synopsis

Gold prices soared above $3,100 per ounce for the first time, driven by concerns over U.S. tariffs and geopolitical tensions. Spot gold prices hit a record high of $3,106.50 per ounce, with significant gains this year prompting banks to raise their forecasts for the yellow metal.

Gold prices on Monday soared above $3,100 per ounce for the first time as concerns around U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and the potential economic fallout, combined with geopolitical worries, drove a fresh wave of investments into the safe-haven asset.

Spot gold prices hit a record high of $3,106.50 per ounce.

Gold prices have hit multiple record highs, gaining more than 18% so far this year - capitalising on its cachet as hedge against economic and geopolitical turbulence.

Earlier this month, it breached the psychological $3,000 per ounce mark for the first time - a significant milestone that experts say reflects growing concerns over economic instability, geopolitical tensions and inflation.

Bullion's rally has prompted multiple banks to increase their price forecasts for gold this year.

"For now, gold's appeal as a safe haven and inflation hedge has further strengthened in light of these geopolitical concerns and tariff uncertainty. We remain constructive on the outlook of gold amid ongoing global trade friction and uncertainty," said analysts at OCBC.

Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and UBS have all raised their price targets for the yellow metal this month, with Goldman forecasting gold to hit $3,300/oz by the end of the year, up from $3,100. BofA expects gold to trade at $3,063/oz in 2025 and $3,350/oz in 2026 - an increase from its previous forecasts of $2,750/oz for 2025 and $2,625/oz for 2026.

Trump has floated plans for a series of new tariffs aimed at protecting U.S. industries and reducing trade deficits since he took office, including a 25% tariffs on imported cars and auto parts, as well as an additional 10% on all imports from China. He intends to announce a fresh set of reciprocal tariffs on April 2.

"Tariff issues will continue driving (gold) prices higher until there is some finality to the tit-for-tat campaign," Marex consultant Edward Meir said.

Additional factors, like robust central bank demand and exchange-traded fund inflows, will also continue supporting gold's stunning rally this year, analysts and investment banks say. [GOL/ETF]

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