Gold prices have broken the $3,000 per ounce barrier for the first time, reaching $3,004.86 on Friday – marking the thirteenth record high of 2025. The 14% price increase this year follows a 27% surge in 2024. Analysts attribute this rally to geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns from new tariffs, central bank buying, and investors seeking safe-haven assets amid market volatility and trade tensions with China and Canada following President Trump’s protectionist policies.