Commodities

Gold Sinks as US-China Trade Progress Spurs Flight Out of Havens

The trade war unleashed by the new US administration has powered gold’s 25% rally this year.

Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg
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Gold fell as demand for haven assets tanked after the US and China agreed to lower tariffs on each other’s products for 90 days, signaling a major breakthrough in trade negotiations that were flagged last week.

Bullion’s losses accelerated on Monday after the announcement, with prices falling as much as 3.2% to around $3,220 an ounce. The dollar extended gains — making gold more expensive for most buyers — following a joint statement from both nations that said the combined 145% US levies on most Chinese imports will be reduced to 30%, while the 125% Chinese duties on US goods will drop to 10%.