Gold: live price

What moves the price of gold

Gold pays no interest, so its price is closely tied to real interest rates, meaning interest rates after inflation. When real rates fall, holding gold costs investors less and demand tends to rise. When they climb, gold usually comes under pressure.

Gold is priced in US dollars, so a stronger dollar tends to weigh on it and a weaker dollar to support it. Central banks, especially in emerging markets, have also been large buyers in recent years, adding a steady source of demand.

Many investors hold gold as a hedge in times of stress, which is why it often attracts money during financial or geopolitical turmoil. It is not a guarantee: gold can fall alongside other assets and has had long periods without gains. A common way to invest is through gold ETFs; physical coins and bars carry dealer premiums and storage costs.