Gold prices reached their highest level since December 12, climbing to $2,716.91 per ounce amid a confluence of favorable economic indicators. The surge was primarily fueled by weakening Treasury yields following unexpectedly high U.S. jobless claims of 217,000, exceeding forecasts of 210,000. This labor market softening, combined with December’s modest 0.2% core inflation increase, has strengthened market expectations for Fed rate cuts in 2025. The precious metal’s appeal was further enhanced by ongoing geopolitical tensions in Gaza, reinforcing gold’s traditional role as a safe-haven asset during times of uncertainty.