The price of gold has hit a new record high, topping $4,400 per ounce for the first time amid growing expectations that the US will cut interest rates further in the new year.
Gold began the year worth $2,600 an ounce but its value has soared due to a number of factors, the BBC reports, including geopolitical tensions, Donald Trump's tariffs, and rate cuts.
The spot price of gold hit a high of $4,426.66 (£3,280.53) on Monday.
Precious metals are often viewed as "safe haven assets", and silver has also hit a new record high this week.
Adrian Ash, director of research at gold bullion marketplace BullionVault, told the BBC this year's 68% rise in the price of gold is the largest in almost 50 years.
He said: "The precious metals market says that President Trump has really triggered something – and gold has gone crazy this year.
"You've got the trade war, the attacks on the US Federal Reserve and you've got geopolitical tensions, all of those provocations come from Trump."
FTSE100
The UK's flagship share index, the FTSE 100, was up 10 points at 9,878 shortly after opening this morning.
Brent crude oil futures were up 0.16% at $62.06 a barrel.