Gold prices reached a record high above $2,500 per ounce, driven by safe-haven demand and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Despite a slight pullback, analysts anticipate further price increases, with UBS projecting $2,600/oz by year-end. Investors are now focused on Fed Chair Powell’s upcoming speech and the release of July’s Fed meeting minutes for indications of potential rate cuts. The precious metal’s 20% surge this year is attributed to rate cut expectations, geopolitical tensions, and robust central bank purchases.