Gold hovered around $3,050 per ounce on Thursday, a fresh record, supported by rising US rate cut expectations and strong safe-haven demand.
The Federal Reserve noted increased economic uncertainty but still expects to cut rates by 50 bps this year, matching its December projection and boosting non-yielding gold.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East escalated as Israel launched "targeted ground activities" in Gaza, retaking part of a key area after an airstrike ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
The US also kept striking Houthi targets in Yemen after Red Sea attacks, with Trump vowing to hold Iran accountable for future incidents.
At the same time, worries over global trade disputes persisted as new duties are set to take effect in April, following the US's 25% tariff on steel and aluminum enacted in February.
Source : Reuters
