Investor optimism for additional interest-rate cuts powered both gold and U.S. stocks to fresh records on Monday. Gold futures surged 1.7% to $3,948.50 a troy ounce, nearing the psychologically important $4,000 threshold, after first trading above the $3,000 mark in March. The value of the precious metal has ballooned by 50% this year. The bullion’s breakneck rally comes as the U.S. federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, delaying the release of key economic data, including September’s jobs report. A prolonged shutdown, as expected by traders in prediction markets, may compel the Federal Reserve ... (full story)