Economics

With Turmoil Rampant, Gold Targets $1,300 as Gloomy 2019 Beckons

  • Bullion hits highest level since June as haven demand expands
  • There’s ‘uncertainty and gloom,’ Phillip Futures’ Lu says
Molten gold hits the surface of the water to cool and produce gold casting grain during the refining process at the Valcambi SA precious metal refinery in Balerna, Switzerland.Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg
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Gold is closing out 2018 with a flourish. Prices are poised for the biggest monthly gain in almost two years as concerns about next year’s economic outlook, volatility in global equities and a government shutdown in the U.S. spur demand for the metal as a haven.

Spot bullion hit a six-month high on Friday, topping $1,280 an ounce, as investors favored defensive assets, adding to holdings in exchange-traded funds over the month. Silver rose to the highest since August as it approaches its 200-day moving average, which could trigger further technical buying.