Gold Touches $3,000 as Global Uncertainties Drive Investor Flight to Safety

Gold dipped below $4,000 Tuesday as fading Fed rate cut hopes and a stronger dollar pressured precious metals. The pullback comes despite Treasury confirming inflation remains “above target” at 3%—exactly the environment where gold historically thrives as an inflation hedge. Meanwhile, tech stocks tumbled on AI bubble fears and Bitcoin hit two-week lows, suggesting widespread de-risking rather than rotation into traditional safe havens.

Markets are struggling to find direction as the government shutdown drags on, delaying key data releases and forcing traders to rely on private reports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s public clash with the Fed adds to the uncertainty, while gold holds steady above $4,000 and silver regains momentum. With political tensions rising and investors starved for clarity, precious metals remain the market’s best compass in the fog.

Gold and silver wrapped up a historic October, with gold topping $4,000 as global demand surged to record highs. But inflation data released today showed the Fed’s fight isn’t over—headline prices are easing, yet core inflation remains stubbornly high. As policymakers debate the next move, uncertainty is keeping safe-haven demand alive. Add in a prolonged government shutdown threatening SNAP benefits, and it’s clear: the macro crosswinds that lifted gold this year aren’t slowing down anytime soon.