Gold Hits All-Time High as Trump’s Auto Tariffs Spark Trade War Fears

Gold has surged to an unprecedented record of over $3,079 an ounce, marking its fourth consecutive weekly gain amid escalating trade tensions.

The precious metal rose 0.7% on Friday after President Trump signed a proclamation imposing 25% tariffs on all auto imports and threatened harsher measures against the EU and Canada if they retaliate. Markets are also bracing for additional “reciprocal tariffs” coming on April 2, though specific details remain unclear.

This flight to safety has pushed gold up approximately 16% this year, achieving at least 15 record highs despite traders reducing expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Major financial institutions including Goldman Sachs have raised their price forecasts, with Goldman predicting $3,300 per ounce by year-end due to strong central bank demand and ETF inflows. Silver is also approaching its highest levels since 2012, with tight market conditions as tariff concerns have prompted significant movement of silver from London to U.S. vaults.