Gold traded around $3,030 per ounce on Friday, remaining near record highs, and headed for a third weekly gain, driven by dovish signals from the Federal Reserve and safe-haven demand. On Wednesday, the Fed acknowledged rising economic uncertainty and reaffirmed plans for two rate cuts this year, boosting non-yielding gold.

Fed Chair Powell also downplayed President Trump's tariff impact on inflation as "transitory", however he reiterated no urgency to cut rates. Meanwhile, tensions continued to escalate in the Middle East, as Israel expanded its Gaza offensive, Hamas struck Tel Aviv, and the US continued airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Markets are also bracing for the April 2 deadline for Trump's reciprocal tariffs on nations that have levied duties on US goods, adding to global trade concerns. Since the start of the year, gold has now gained more than 15%.

Source: Trading  Economics