Gold steady, silver near record as rate-cut bets and demand shape outlook
Gold stayed steady at $4,334.70 per ounce on Thursday, while silver inched up to $66.48—just shy of the prior session's all-time high.
Both metals are catching attention as investors look for safe options in a changing economy.
Why does this matter?
With the Federal Reserve cutting rates again and more cuts expected next year, gold and silver are becoming go-to choices to guard against inflation.
Silver especially has been on a tear—up 130% this year compared to gold's 65%.
That means bigger returns for those who jumped in early.
What's fueling the moves?
Silver is getting a boost from strong demand in tech and clean energy industries, plus ongoing supply shortages.
Meanwhile, gold prices are being held back by a strong US dollar but still get support from global tensions like Venezuela sanctions.
All eyes are now on key US economic data coming out this week, which could shake things up further.