Why Gold Is at Its Highest Price Ever Right Now | WSJ

Gold Price Surge & Drivers - Gold price closed above $4,000 per troy ounce, reaching an all-time high, marking an unusual rally since 1979 [1] - Gold futures prices have risen approximately 50% this year, outpacing many major crises in American history, as investors seek to retain value during times of inflation and economic uncertainty [2][3] - Central banks have been accumulating gold bullion since the great financial crisis due to doubts about the global financial system intertwined with the US economy, US banks, and the US Federal Reserve [6] Factors Influencing Gold Prices - Policy dysfunction in Washington, including runaway deficits, government shutdowns, and a perceived lack of concern for higher inflation in the US economy, are contributing to gold's appeal [4] - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's signaling of potential interest rate cuts despite above-target inflation has driven gold prices upward [5] - A weaker US dollar, partly desired by the Trump administration to aid US exporters, coupled with a lack of confidence in the US economic outlook and concerns about long-term deficits, further supports gold prices [8][9] Potential Risks & Future Outlook - Historical trends suggest that rapid price gains in gold can evaporate within a few years, indicating potential for a future correction [10] - The strength of US institutions, the Federal Reserve's independence, a decrease in inflation, and continued US economic growth could exert downward pressure on gold prices [10] - Major Wall Street banks anticipate continued gold purchases by central banks in the coming year, which is expected to sustain gold prices [7]