Investors in gold are witnessing a remarkable rally as the precious metal charges toward its best annual performance in over four decades. Currently trading at a six-week peak and within striking distance of its October record high, gold’s ascent is being fueled by a powerful convergence of monetary policy expectations and sustained fundamental demand.
The Federal Reserve’s Pivotal Role
Market sentiment has crystallized around a near-certain shift from the U.S. Federal Reserve. Derivatives pricing indicates an 87% probability of a 25-basis-point interest rate cut at the central bank’s December meeting. This expectation is not speculative; it is being shaped by deliberate communications from key Fed officials.
- Governor Christopher Waller has expressed openness to additional policy easing.
- New York Fed President John Williams has hinted at forthcoming rate adjustments.
- The U.S. dollar has responded accordingly, weakening to a two-week low.
This environment creates a dual tailwind for gold. A softer greenback reduces the cost of bullion for holders of other currencies. Simultaneously, lower interest rates diminish the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets, enhancing gold’s relative appeal.
On Track for a Legendary Year
The current annual gain of over 60% positions 2024 to be gold’s strongest year since 1979—a period synonymous with the second oil crisis. The rally has demonstrated remarkable consistency, with the metal posting gains in nearly every month this year, including a robust 5.7% advance in November alone.
The foundation of this rally rests on multiple, persistent drivers:
- Unabated, robust purchasing by central banks globally.
- Consistent inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- U.S. inflation measures that continue to exceed the Fed’s target.
- Elevated safe-haven demand amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
This broad-based demand is a key feature, originating from both institutional buyers like central banks and retail investors via ETFs.
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Silver Outperforms with a Stunning Rally
While gold shines, silver’s performance has been explosive. The white metal recently broke to a fresh all-time high, surging more than 3% in a single session. Year-to-date, its gains have surpassed 100%. Silver benefits from the same monetary policy dynamics as gold, compounded by vigorous industrial demand, particularly from the solar energy and electric vehicle sectors.
A Potential Catalyst: Leadership Change at the Fed
A new variable is entering the equation and stoking bullish sentiment. Market speculation suggests Kevin Hassett, a former White House economic advisor, could be appointed as the next Fed Chair before Christmas, a move alluded to by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Significantly, Hassett is perceived as a strong advocate for lower interest rates. His appointment would likely reinforce expectations for a more accommodative monetary policy stance—a scenario historically favorable for gold prices.
A Data-Heavy Week for Confirmation
The immediate trajectory will be influenced by critical economic data releases. The market’s focus this week includes the November ADP employment report on Wednesday and the delayed release of the September PCE price index—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—on Friday.
Furthermore, a scheduled speech by current Fed Chair Jerome Powell is anticipated to provide further clues on the policy outlook. For gold, weaker economic data would likely solidify rate-cut expectations, providing additional upward momentum. The prevailing trend remains decisively bullish, with the metal’s most spectacular year in 45 years now within reach.
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