Gold is heading for one of its biggest annual gains this century, with a 26% advance that has been fueled by US monetary easing, sustained geopolitical risks, and a wave of purchases by central banks.

While bullion has ticked lower since Donald Trump's sweeping victory in November's US presidential election, its gains over 2024 still outstrip most other commodities. Base metals have had a mixed year, while iron ore has tumbled, and lithium's woes have deepened.

The varied performances over 2024 highlight the absence of a single, over-riding driver that's steered the complex's fortunes, while also putting the spotlight on how metals, both base and precious, may fare next year. For 2025, investors are focused on uncertainty around US monetary policy, potential frictions from Trump's presidency, and China's efforts to revive growth.

Gold's strong gains this year — which have seen the metal set a succession of records — may signal a possible shift in the market's dynamics given they have come despite a stronger US dollar and rising real Treasury yields, both typically headwinds.

The precious metal has been "as remarkable as it's been relentless, making it my biggest market surprise of 2024," David Scutt, an analyst at StoneX Group Inc. said in a note. "The gold game looks to have changed."

Spot gold traded little changed at $2605.50.

Source : Bloomberg