Gold is trading firmly above $4,000 an ounce in the aftermath of the U.S. government shutdown. Most traders see gold's continuing strength as evidence that financial markets value safety amid volatility, political battles and a weak U.S. economic outlook. In this scenario, the price strength of gold could be seen as a show of wisdom rather than a sign of exuberance, as market participants are hedging their investments by maintaining or adding to their positions in physical gold (GC00) amid growing optimism that a functional U.S. government will bring confidence to economic indicators. Yet even as markets display ... (full story)