Gold tops $4,500 for first time on rate cut bets, geopolitics

In a historic market movement, gold prices shattered the $4,500 barrier during Asian trading hours on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, establishing a new peak at $4,519.78 per ounce. This landmark achievement extends a powerful rally that has propelled the precious metal’s value by over 70 percent since the commencement of 2025, marking one of its most robust annual performances.

The unprecedented surge is primarily driven by a confluence of two major factors. Firstly, growing market optimism surrounds the anticipated continuation of interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the coming year. Lower interest rates diminish the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, thereby enhancing its appeal to investors seeking value storage. Secondly, escalating geopolitical friction, particularly a notable flare-up in tensions between the United States and Venezuela, has triggered a classic flight to safety. Investors traditionally flock to gold during periods of global uncertainty, reinforcing its status as a premier safe-haven asset.

This record-breaking performance underscores a significant shift in investor sentiment and strategic portfolio allocation. Analysts are monitoring whether this momentum can be sustained, viewing the $4,500 level as a critical psychological and technical threshold. The event signals deep-seated expectations for a softer U.S. monetary policy and reflects ongoing nervousness within global markets regarding political instability.