Gold Prices Surge Past $4,000 as Dollar Weakens and Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise

Gold prices soared in Asian trading on Monday, climbing back above the key $4,000 an ounce mark as the U.S. dollar weakened and investor attention turned to Congress’ progress toward ending the prolonged government shutdown. The precious metal also gained support from market optimism that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates in December, despite ongoing uncertainty over the broader U.S. economic outlook.

Spot gold surged 1.4% to $4,053.72 per ounce, while December gold futures rose 1.3% to $4,062.45 by 23:43 ET (04:43 GMT). The rally reflected renewed investor demand for safe-haven assets amid political tensions and softening economic indicators.

The dollar’s mild decline provided further momentum to metal prices. A softer greenback typically boosts gold and other commodities by making them cheaper for foreign investors. Market sentiment was reinforced by expectations of a potential 25-basis-point rate cut from the Fed in December, supported by recent weak labor market data. According to CME FedWatch, traders priced in a 61.9% probability of such a move.

Recent Challenger job cuts data revealed the worst wave of layoffs in nearly two decades during October, intensifying fears of an economic slowdown. Analysts believe the Fed could step in to stabilize the job market and sustain growth.

Other precious metals also advanced on Monday. Spot platinum climbed 1.4% to $1,571.92 per ounce, while spot silver jumped 1.8% to $49.21 per ounce.

Meanwhile, investor sentiment brightened as the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to advance a funding bill aimed at ending the nation’s longest government shutdown. The bill’s progress broke a Democratic filibuster and could soon reopen federal operations, paving the way for delayed economic data releases that may further influence Fed policy decisions.