Gold prices hit new all-time highs in Asian trading
Gold prices reached new absolute all-time highs during Asian trading sessions. The rise in quotations is occurring amid expectations that the United States will maintain an accommodative monetary policy following a quarter-percentage-point interest rate cut last week. Additional support for the market comes from the weakening of the U.S. dollar, which traditionally increases the attractiveness of gold for investors.
A key driver of growth remains strong demand for the precious metal from global central banks and exchange-traded funds. Regulators continue to increase gold reserves as part of asset diversification strategies, while inflows into ETFs are intensifying pressure on the physical gold market. These trends are shaping a sustained upward price trajectory.
On Monday, December 22, gold was trading near the level of $4,400 per troy ounce during morning hours. Since the beginning of the year, the price of the metal has risen by 67.5 percent, marking one of the most significant annual increases in recent decades. The current dynamics reflect a combination of macroeconomic factors and structural demand growth.
The rise in gold prices has had a positive impact on the share prices of mining companies. Leading producers recorded significant gains in market capitalization. Shares of Agnico Eagle Mines have risen by 123 percent since the beginning of the year, while Kinross Gold stock has gained 208 percent over the same period.
Investors view gold mining equities as instruments with heightened sensitivity to rising gold prices. Increased revenues and margins amid high price levels are driving greater interest in the sector and supporting the capitalization of major market players.
Continued accommodative monetary policy, sustained demand from institutional investors, and geopolitical uncertainty are maintaining favorable conditions for the gold market. These factors provide a foundation for keeping prices elevated in the medium term in the absence of sharp changes in the global economic environment.