Gold Jumps to Record High on Fed Rate Cut Outlook

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Gold Jumps to Record High on Fed Rate Cut Outlook

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold prices charged to a record high on Monday as a weaker dollar and the prospects of aggressive US monetary policy easing boosted non-yielding bullion's appeal.

Spot gold was up 0.4% at $2,586.04 an ounce by 0914 GMT after touching a record peak of $2,589.59. US gold futures edged up by 0.1% to $2,613.40, Reuters reported.

The dollar index eased 0.4%, making gold more attractive to other currency holders.

This week's key event is the Federal Reserve interest rate decision due on Wednesday. Trader expectations are for a 59% chance of a cut of 50 basis points.

The first US rate cut is getting closer and will be followed by more, supporting gold, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

"Any change to the Fed dot plot is likely to result in near-term volatility, but I believe we are still on the path of higher prices over the coming months," he said.

Bullion becomes generally a more attractive investment in periods of lower interest rates and is considered a safe asset in times of turmoil.

Macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns, US elections and a likely increase in equity market volatility also make a compelling case for increasing investment in gold, ANZ analysts said in a note.

"We expect gold prices to move towards $2,700 in the short term and reach a high of $2,900 by the end of 2025," the note added.

The FBI said that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was the subject of a second assassination attempt on Sunday.

Spot silver gained 1% to $30.95 an ounce, hitting its highest in two months earlier in the session.

Platinum shed 0.2% to $993.70 and palladium was up 0.2% at $1,070.70.
Data from China over the weekend showed industrial output growth slowed to a five-month low in August while retail sales and new home prices weakened further.



IAEA, Saudi Women and Energy Association Sign MoU to Boost Cooperation

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh. (SPA)
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IAEA, Saudi Women and Energy Association Sign MoU to Boost Cooperation

Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh. (SPA)
Officials are seen at the signing ceremony in Riyadh. (SPA)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Saudi Arabia’s Women and Energy Association signed in Riyadh on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding to boost cooperation.

The agreement aims to bolster cooperation in capacity building, with a focus on developing the role of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and support innovation in nuclear sciences to achieve a sustainable future.

The agreement was signed by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Women and Energy Association Chairwoman of the Board Princess Mishaal bint Saud AlShalan.

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz attended the signing ceremony.