Gold price rises to high level over investors growing need for safe haven

Gold hit an all-time high in the commodity market as demand for safe haven persisted due to economic concern in the U.S and uncertainty around trade war. On Friday, price of gold topped $3,000 per ounce for the first time ever. Tariff concerns that risk higher inflation and slower economic growth are spurring demand for safe-haven assets like gold. ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey says in a Friday note. Yesterday, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on wine, champagne and other alcoholic beverages from France and elsewhere in the EU. This followed immediate retaliations from the EU and Canada after the White House implemented 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports earlier this week.
“We see uncertainty over trade and tariffs continuing to buoy gold prices – and if trade tensions intensify and we see more retaliatory measures, safe-haven demand for gold will continue”, says ING. Gold is one of the best-performing major commodities this year, up more than 14% year-to-date, according to ING.   It has hit a series of consecutive record highs along the way, driven by trade frictions, central bank buying, and inflows into Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) holdings. Total known gold exchange-trade fund holdings have grown by around 3.5moz so far this year to almost 86.4moz.  Central banks bought 1,045 tonnes last year, accounting for about a fifth of overall demand (according to the World Gold Council) and more purchases are likely to continue this year. “If we see more additions, this will give bullion prices a further tailwind. We believe more gains for gold are in sight”, ING.