11 March 2024
Despite a strong U.S. economy, soaring stock indexes, and record prices for riskier assets like bitcoin, gold continues to shine, reaching a historic high of $2,195 per ounce. This remarkable ascent, marking a 5% increase year-to-date and a 19% rise over 12 months, aligns unexpectedly with the performance of major American stock indexes, such as the S&P 500. Typically seen as a refuge during economic turmoil, gold’s surge defies traditional patterns observed during past crises like the financial meltdown of the late 2000s and the COVID-19 pandemic. This anomaly suggests that investors may be seeking a hedge against potential market volatility or diversifying their portfolios amidst seemingly stable economic conditions.