Gold prices extended their record run on Wednesday, to breach $3,300 per ounce, as a weaker dollar and escalating US-China trade tensions pushed investors towards the safe-haven asset, reports Reuters.
Spot gold climbed 2.6% to $3,310.82 an ounce as of 08:51 a.m. ET (1251 GMT), after hitting a record high of $3,317.90 earlier in the session. US gold futures gained 2.7% to $3,326.40.
"Gold remains heavily supported by a broadly weaker dollar, uncertainty around tariff announcements and fears about a global recession," said Lukman Otunuga, senior research analyst at FXTM.
"Beyond $3,300, it's all about psychological levels for gold prices. Bulls may target $3,400, $3,500, and upwards. However, a bout of profit-taking or positive US-China trade developments could trigger a selloff."
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered an investigation into possible tariffs on all US critical minerals imports, marking another escalation in his dispute with global trade partners and an attempt to pressure industry leader China.
The latest flare-up of tensions between the world's two largest economies dented sentiment in wider financial markets, sending investors towards safe-haven assets such as gold.
The dollar, meanwhile, slipped against its rivals to hold near a three-year low hit last week, making gold more attractive for other currency holders.
"The rally has become a bit unhinged, leaving it at risk of corrections. However we have for more than a year now seen corrections to be shallow, with underlying bids waiting on any setbacks," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.
Elsewhere, spot silver rose 2.2% to $33.01 an ounce and platinum gained 0.5% to $963.76.
