Economics

Gold Barrels Into 2019 as Growth Concerns Spur Demand for Haven

  • Bullion near six-month high as worldwide ETF holdings expand
  • Turmoil in equities, U.S. shutdown, Fed outlook aiding prices
Gold bars sit stacked in this arranged photograph in Hungary.Photographer: Bloomberg Creative Photos/Bloomberg
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Gold closed out 2018 on a strong note, its haven demand reinvigorated by volatile trading in global equities, rising concern about the economic outlook and a drawn-out government shutdown in the U.S.

Bullion futures held near a six-month high after topping $1,280 an ounce, and the metal posted its best monthly gain in almost two years. December’s rally has pared an annual decline, the first full-year loss since 2015.