REUTERS

Gold prices were set to end a record-breaking year on a positive note on Tuesday as robust central bank buying, geopolitical uncertainties and monetary policy easing fuelled the safe-haven metal’s strongest annual performance since 2010.

Spot gold rose 0.4 percent to $2,615.00 per ounce as of 0927 GMT, while US gold futures gained 0.4 percent to $2,627.30.

As one of the best-performing assets of 2024, bullion has gained more than 26 percent year-to-date, the biggest annual jump since 2010, and last scaled a record high of $2,790.15 on Oct. 31 after a series of record-breaking rallies throughout the year.

“Rising geopolitical risks, demand from central banks, easing of monetary policy by central banks globally, and the resumption of inflows into gold-linked Exchange Traded Commodities (ETC) were the primary drivers of gold’s rally in 2024,” said Aneeka Gupta, director of macroeconomic research at WisdomTree.

The metal is likely to remain supported in 2025 despite some headwinds from a stronger US dollar and a slower pace of easing by the Federal Reserve, Gupta added. The US Fed delivered a third consecutive interest rate cut this month but flagged fewer rate cuts for 2025.

Donald Trump’s incoming administration was also poised to significantly impact global economic policies, encompassing tariffs, deregulation, and tax amendments.

“Bullion bulls may enjoy another stellar year ahead if global geopolitical tensions are ramped up under Trump 2.0, potentially pushing investors towards this time-tested safe haven,” said Exinity Group Chief Market Analyst Han Tan.