Gold climbs to new record price
Gold prices have been rising because of continued concerns over Europe’s debt crisis
The price of gold jumped above $ 1,600 (£1,000) an ounce for the first time as debt worries in the US and Europe continued to trouble investors.
The precious metal rose to $ 1,604 an ounce in London trading Monday, before ending the day at $ 1,602.
The metal has been rising in value while the US dollar and euro currencies have been declining.
Gold is considered a safe investment and usually gains at times of global economic uncertainty.
“Gold hit another milestone… at $ 1,600 as investors lose confidence in the ability of politicians to get a grip with the debt problems weighing down on sentiment,” said Michael Hewson from CMC Markets, a trading group.
“More advances look likely,” he said.
The record breaking price comes ahead of Thursday’s summit of eurozone leaders in Brussels where they will once again try to contain the growing debt crisis.
Investors are concerned that Greece may default on its debt, and countries such as Italy and Spain, who are also struggling with high debt levels, will get pulled into the crisis.
Meanwhile in the US politicians are struggling to reach an agreement on a deficit reduction plan in time to avoid a debt default before the deadline of 2 August.
