Gold rose to a record, boosted by concerns about credit quality in the economy, bets that the Federal Reserve will press on with monetary easing and heightened US-China frictions. Bullion has risen more than 7% so far this week and touched a peak above $4,300 an ounce on Thursday, extending a breakneck rally that began in August. The buying spree has spread to other precious metals, with silver surging to a record above $54. Broader markets were jolted as two regional lenders disclosed problems with loans involving allegations of fraud, adding to concern that more cracks are emerging in borrowers’ creditworthiness. ... (full story)