Gold surged past $4,000/oz for the first time ever on 8 October, as concerns over the US economy and a government shutdown have added fresh momentum to its record-breaking rally. Prices have now jumped more than 50% this year. The US shutdown has delayed key payroll data, further clouding an already uncertain economic outlook. With official data delayed, traders are depending on private reports for economic insight, while the central bank faces challenges in making monetary policy decisions. Still, markets are pricing in a quarter-point cut this month, which would benefit gold further as it doesn’t pay interest. ... (full story)