Gold at four-week high as investors seek havens

Gold at four-week high as investors seek havens
Middle East conflict is intensifying demand for safer investments.
OCT 18, 2023

Gold jumped to the highest level in four weeks as the intensifying conflict in the Middle East bolstered haven demand, with hopes for a diplomatic resolution deteriorating after a deadly explosion in Gaza.

US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel and Jordan scheduled for Wednesday began to unravel even before he left the ground, after the explosion at a Gaza hospital left hundreds dead and Arab leaders pulled out of a meeting planned for the trip. 

The threat of escalation continues to provide support for bullion, which has gained about 6% since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel earlier this month. Previously, the metal was trading near a seven-month low, with a steep selloff in Treasuries weighing heavily on the non-yielding asset.

Gold climbed even as data showed US retail sales exceeded all forecasts and industrial production strengthened last month. The figures reinforced the case for the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer. Higher borrowing costs are typically negative for gold.

Any escalation should see safe haven buying remain strong, according to ANZ Banking Group Ltd. “This comes amid strong demand from the physical market, both from central banks as well as consumers in both India and China,” it said.

Spot gold climbed 0.9% to $1,939.75 an ounce as of 6:07 a.m. in London. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was little changed. Silver was up 1.4%, while platinum and palladium also gained.

Latest News

Captrust adds $1.25B Pennsylvania firm in latest push into private wealth
Captrust adds $1.25B Pennsylvania firm in latest push into private wealth

The top-ranked RIA by total AUM continues to scale its wealth management arm, bringing its Pennsylvania presence to five offices.

WallStreetBets takes on the SEC — and makes a surprisingly sharp case
WallStreetBets takes on the SEC — and makes a surprisingly sharp case

The Reddit trading community's formal comment letter against the proposal is drawing widespread attention across finance and tech circles.

Frustrated former advisor launches AI-powered CRM with $8B RIA client
Frustrated former advisor launches AI-powered CRM with $8B RIA client

Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors is helping shape the platform's product roadmap after switching from a legacy system.

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline