Gold Soars to Record High Amid Rate-Cut Bets & Geopolitical Tensions

• Gold reached an all-time high, surpassing $4,381 an ounce, driven by rate-cut expectations and geopolitical tensions.
• Traders anticipate Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, benefiting non-interest-paying precious metals.
• Escalating tensions, including the US-Venezuela oil blockade and Ukraine's attack on a Russian tanker, boosted gold's haven appeal.
• Other precious metals like silver, palladium, and platinum also saw significant surges, with platinum hitting over $2,000.
• Analysts predict continued gold price increases into 2026, with Goldman Sachs forecasting $4,900 an ounce.

Why It Matters: Gold hits record high, fueled by rate-cut bets and global geopolitical instability.