Gold is heading for its best annual performance in half a century

Gold stabilized today, but remained on track to achieve its strongest annual gains in more than four decades, while other precious metals fell sharply as investors took profits after a record rise.

Gold settled in spot transactions at $4,345.75 per ounce by 04:04 GMT, after recording a record high of $4,549.71 on Friday, while US gold futures contracts for February delivery fell 0.5% to $4,365 per ounce.

The precious metal rose 66% during 2025, recording the largest annual gains since 1979.

Silver in spot transactions fell 4.5% to $73.06 per ounce today, after recording its highest level ever at $83.62 last Monday.

Silver has risen by more than 150% since the beginning of the year, far outpacing gold, and is on track to record its best annual performance ever.

Platinum fell in spot transactions by 12% to $1,932.55 per ounce after rising to its highest level ever at $2,478.50 last Monday.

Palladium fell 7.1% to $1,496.75 per ounce, and is on track to end the year up 65%, its best performance in 15 years.