Gold prices climbed to nearly $3,885 per ounce on Wednesday after a US government shutdown delayed key employment data needed for Federal Reserve policy decisions. The suspension forced traders to rely on private sector reports, and ADP Research showed a sharp September decline in payrolls. Markets increased expectations for two more Fed rate cuts this year to support weakening employment numbers.
The precious metal has surged 48 percent in 2025, heading toward its strongest annual performance since 1979. Central bank purchases and growing investment in gold-backed exchange-traded funds have driven the rally, with September ETF inflows reaching their highest level in three years. The Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump from removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, easing concerns about central bank independence.
The precious metal has surged 48 percent in 2025, heading toward its strongest annual performance since 1979. Central bank purchases and growing investment in gold-backed exchange-traded funds have driven the rally, with September ETF inflows reaching their highest level in three years. The Supreme Court blocked President Donald Trump from removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, easing concerns about central bank independence.
