Gold Soars Past $4,500 Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Fed Easing Hopes

• Spot gold price holds strong at $4,516 per ounce, gaining 1.6% in a week, peaking at $4,546 on December 26.
• Domestic gold futures on MCX reached Rs 1,38,209 per 10 grams (24-Carat), with a peak of Rs 1,38,300.
• Rising gold prices are driven by anticipation of Fed easing, increased geopolitical tensions (Israel-Iran, US-Venezuela), and safe-haven demand.
• Analysts like Justin Khoo from VT Market forecast gold to reach $4,900-$5,000 by late 2026, with near-term targets of $4,575 (Rs 1,40,000) and $5,000 (Rs 1,50,000).
• Factors like lower consumer confidence, unchanged manufacturing output, and concerns over Fed independence also contribute to gold's momentum.

Why It Matters: Gold prices are soaring due to geopolitical instability and expectations of future Fed monetary easing.