Gold smashes past $4,500 as silver explodes above $75 in year-end rally

Core Insights - Gold and silver have reached historic highs, with gold surpassing $4,500 an ounce and silver exceeding $75 for the first time, driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, a declining US dollar, and rising global tensions [1][10][16] Market Performance - Gold has increased approximately 73% for the year, marking its strongest annual performance since 1979, while silver has surged by 150% to 160%, significantly outpacing gold's gains [4][16] - Spot gold reached a record high of $4,530.60 an ounce earlier in the session before stabilizing above the $4,500 mark [2][14] Economic Factors - The anticipated pivot of the Federal Reserve towards an easing cycle, including interest rate cuts, has reduced the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, making it more attractive compared to bonds and cash [5] - A weaker US dollar has further enhanced gold's appeal, making it cheaper for international buyers and driving global demand [5] Geopolitical Influences - Increased safe-haven buying has been observed due to rising geopolitical risks, including tensions in Venezuela, instability in the Middle East, the war in Eastern Europe, and recent US military actions in Nigeria [6] Central Bank Activity - Central banks, particularly in China, India, and Poland, have aggressively accumulated gold, purchasing over 1,000 metric tons for the third consecutive year, indicating a strategic shift to diversify reserves away from the dollar [12]