Gold surged to fresh highs in Asian trading Monday as investors turned to safe-haven assets. The move came as markets weighed the prospect of a U.S. government shutdown, renewed expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and persistent weakness in the dollar. Analysts note that the combination of fiscal and monetary uncertainty has reinforced gold’s role as a hedge against volatility.
The risk of a shutdown is not just political theater but a tangible economic threat. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the 2018–2019 closure shaved $11 billion off U.S. GDP, with delayed economic data releases adding further uncertainty. If prolonged, the current impasse could once again disrupt payroll reports and broader economic activity, amplifying the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.
The rally was not confined to gold. Silver advanced more than 2% to its highest level in 14 years, while platinum climbed 3% to a 12-year peak. Market participants highlighted that investors are diversifying exposure beyond gold, with both silver and platinum benefiting from dual demand—safe-haven flows and industrial usage.
“Silver remains particularly attractive given its role in green technologies and manufacturing,” said one commodities strategist, pointing to structural supply constraints. Analysts also stressed that continued dollar weakness has made dollar-denominated metals cheaper for foreign buyers, reinforcing demand across global markets.
Expectations for further monetary easing remain a central driver. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders are pricing in multiple Fed cuts by year-end, a shift that lowers the opportunity cost of holding metals. Last week’s inflation data, which aligned with forecasts, strengthened bets on a dovish policy path.
Analysts argue that a shutdown could increase pressure on the central bank to provide policy support, particularly if economic activity slows. With the dollar index hovering near multi-month lows, the macro backdrop continues to favor precious metals.
For now, the convergence of fiscal uncertainty, dollar weakness, and policy expectations suggests that gold and silver are likely to remain at the center of investor attention.
Gold trades near $3,815, eyeing $3,860–$3,906 if momentum holds, while silver at $47.14 targets $47.75–$48.90; downside risk remains if $3,790 and $46.65 supports break.
Gold is trading near $3,815, pushing higher after clearing resistance at $3,790. The move is supported by a rising trendline and the 50-EMA ($3,765), with the 200-EMA ($3,722) adding a deeper layer of support.
On the hourly chart, price recently broke out of a consolidation pattern and is now testing the Fib extension zone at $3,825. Momentum remains constructive, though the RSI at 70 signals stretched conditions, hinting at limited upside in the near term.
A clean close above $3,825 could open the path toward $3,860–$3,906, while failure to hold above $3,790 may lead to a retest of the $3,760–$3,740 area.
Silver is trading at $47.14, extending gains within a steep ascending channel. The rally has been supported by the 50-EMA at $45.51, while the 200-EMA at $43.90 sits well below as longer-term support. Price is pushing through Fibonacci levels, with the next resistance around $47.75–48.30.
The RSI at 74 signals overbought conditions, suggesting upside momentum may slow in the near term. If silver fails to hold above $46.65, a pullback toward $45.90–45.55 could follow.
A sustained close above $47.75 would reinforce bullish momentum, potentially opening the path toward $48.90. For now, the bias remains upward, but stretched momentum calls for caution.
Arslan is a finance MBA and also holds an MPhil degree in behavioral finance. An expert in financial analysis and investor psychology, Arslan uses his academic background to bring valuable insights about market sentiment and whether instruments are likely to be overbought or oversold.