Gold and precious metals surge as geopolitical tensions lift safe-haven demand

Gold prices climbed on Monday while other precious metals also posted strong gains, as heightened geopolitical tensions boosted investor demand for safe-haven assets. The move followed the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over the weekend, an event widely seen as a major escalation in Latin America.

Spot gold rose to a one-week high, supported by ongoing expectations of interest rate cuts, steady central bank purchases and strong inflows into exchange-traded funds. Analysts said geopolitical uncertainty continues to underpin bullion, which recorded its strongest annual gains in decades last year.

Silver, platinum and palladium also advanced sharply, driven by a mix of safe-haven flows, supply constraints and rising industrial demand. Investors are now watching upcoming US economic data, particularly non-farm payrolls, for further signals on the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook.