• Gold prices reached all-time highs, surpassing $3,167.57 an ounce amid tariff fears.
• The surge in gold is driven by safe-haven demand as stock markets react negatively to Trump's tariff policies.
• Trump's new tariffs are expected to exacerbate inflation and slow economic growth.

Gold prices have experienced a remarkable surge, hitting all-time highs recently, driven by heightened investor concerns over the global economy due to U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcements. As of late, gold climbed to an unprecedented value of $3,167.57 an ounce, amidst market speculation and anxiety over trade relations. This rise reflects the metal's appeal as a safe haven amidst ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, with prices up nearly 20% since the start of the year, according to NPR.

Investors flocked to gold as the U.S. stock indices faced turbulence, sliding sharply ahead of the expected new tariffs dubbed "Liberation Day." Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on all imports, with even higher duties aimed at major trading partners like China and the European Union. Such measures have intensified fears of a potential trade war, affecting market sentiment and leading to forecasted economic slowdowns. As reported by Reuters, investors are particularly anxious about how these tariffs could lead to inflation and reduced economic growth.

The ongoing trade tensions have propelled demand for gold even further, as it traditionally serves as a hedge against market volatility. Gold’s value has been further supported by robust central bank purchases and flows into exchange-traded funds backed by gold, boosting investor confidence in the metal's stability as highlighted in reports from Channel News Asia.

However, as traders begin to lock in profits after the recent rally, gold prices have seen some fluctuations, dropping slightly from their peak. Analysts suggest that gold's upward momentum may continue, predicting prices could reach around $3,200 in the upcoming months due to continued uncertainty in global markets.

In related news, the wider impact of Trump's tariffs has already started to cause declines in stock markets, with major companies reporting downturns due to the anticipated costs associated with tariffs on imported goods. For further details, check reports from Channel News Asia and Times of India.