Gold prices hit a record high on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as the US government began shutting down after Congress failed to approve fresh federal funding.
Spot gold surged to a record $2,875.53 per ounce, while December gold futures peaked at $3,903.45/oz. Spot prices later eased slightly, trading at $3,862.
The shutdown took effect at midnight after a last-minute spending bill backed by the Republican Party failed to pass a Senate vote amid persistent opposition from Democrats.
Gold has posted a series of record highs this week amid mounting signs of US political deadlock, which weighed on the dollar and pushed traders toward safe-haven assets.
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Other precious metals also recorded strong gains this week as safe-haven demand spilled over from gold, with platinum and silver reaching 12-year and 14-year highs, respectively.
Spot silver rose 0.9% to $47.05/oz on October 1, 2025, while spot platinum slipped 0.3% to $1,572.18/oz.
The US government shutdown is expected to delay a highly anticipated labor market report due this week, and a prolonged shutdown could disrupt the release of future US economic data.
SP/MA
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