Goldman Sachs says gold could hit $5K as fears grow over Federal Reserve's independence

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs predicts that gold prices could reach $5,000 due to concerns over President Trump's attempts to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence, with gold already having increased by 35% this year to over $3,500 per troy ounce, making it one of the best-performing assets globally [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Implications - A scenario where the Federal Reserve's independence is compromised could lead to higher inflation, decreased stock and long-dated bond prices, and a decline in the dollar's status as a reserve currency [2]. - The ongoing conflict between Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates and the Federal Reserve's $2.5 billion headquarters has heightened market concerns [4][12]. Group 2: Market Trends - Gold is viewed as a reliable store of value that does not depend on institutional trust, contrasting with the volatility of stocks and bonds [4]. - The demand for gold has surged as investors seek resilient portfolio options, with foreign central banks now holding more gold than U.S. Treasuries [8]. Group 3: Company Performance - Despite the political tensions, Goldman Sachs' stock price has increased by over 50% in the past year, trading at $740.73 [6].