WSJ What’s News Gold Hits New Record as Investors Worry About U.S. Economic Outlook
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Oct 7, 2025 Gold prices hit a record $4,000 an ounce, driven by inflation fears and market uncertainties. Investors, including central banks and hedge funds, are flocking to gold as a safe haven. Meanwhile, Intercontinental Exchange announced a $2 billion investment in the crypto prediction platform Polymarket, highlighting a growing interest in this market. Brands are increasingly seeking Gen Z translation to connect with younger audiences, leading to a boom in agencies specializing in youth culture communication. How will these trends shape the future?
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Gold's Unusual Rally This Year
- Gold's surge in 2025 is unusual because it rose without an obvious economic crisis driving it.
- Rising inflation expectations and a weakening dollar amid U.S. policy shifts made gold more valuable as a hedge.
Everyone Is Buying Gold
- A broad set of buyers pushed the rally: central banks, retail investors, and hedge funds all increased exposure to gold.
- Investors buy gold both to ride market gains and to hedge against downside risks simultaneously.
Why Global Trade Outlook Improved
- The WTO raised its global trade outlook because firms front-loaded inventories and AI investment raised demand for chips and servers.
- Tariff timing shifted trade patterns but didn't produce the retaliation that earlier fears expected.