Gold, silver surge as 'assault on Fed' sparks rush to precious metals

Core Insights - Gold and silver prices surged to new all-time intraday highs following comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding threats to the central bank's independence from the Trump administration [1][8] Group 1: Price Movements - Gold futures increased by 2%, surpassing $4,600 per troy ounce, while silver rose above $84 per ounce after Powell's video statement [2] - Precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, benefited from a decline in the US dollar and equities [2] Group 2: Market Sentiment - The current demand for precious metals is driven by geopolitical instability and the reshaping of global power dynamics, rather than solely as a hedge against inflation or dollar weakness [5] - The recent capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and escalating tensions with Iran have contributed to increased safe haven demand for precious metals [4] Group 3: Central Bank Activity - Foreign central banks have been purchasing gold at a record pace, now holding more bullion than US Treasuries for the first time since 1996 [6] Group 4: Silver Market Dynamics - Silver has outperformed gold recently, with analysts noting a potential deficit due to China's restrictions on silver exports and increased industrial demand amid an AI and reshoring boom [6]