[MARKET UPDATE] Spot XAU breaks to a new ATH, currently at USD 4554/oz, amid tensions in Iran and recent US data

The new all-time high in spot XAU reflects heightened safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical tensions in Iran and supportive recent US economic data.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 12 Jan 2026, 00:35 UTCOn the live feed at 00:15 UTC — 13 more headlines followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

00:23

US President Trump says the military is considering very strong options on Iran

00:16

[MARKET UPDATE] USD/JPY gradually dips under 158.00 (vs high 158.21), with some participants on intervention watch around these levels. Note: Japan is also on holiday, thus volumes from the region likely lower

00:15

[MARKET UPDATE] Spot XAU breaks to a new ATH, currently at USD 4554/oz, amid tensions in Iran and recent US data

00:06

Federal prosecutors have opened up a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Powell over the central bank’s renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Powell lied to Congress about the scope of the project, NYT reports citing officials

00:06

[MARKET UPDATE] KOSPI opens +1.5%, Japanese markets closed for holiday; Overall mood in APAC positive thus far; US equity futures remain softer across the board (ES -0.2%, NQ -0.3%)

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Context

This context suggests that concerns about stability are overshadowing some positive indications in the economy, potentially leading to further price appreciation as investors seek refuge in gold amid uncertainty.

All markets · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

FX/9 Sept · 15:01 UTC

US Treasury Buyback: Treasury to buy back a maximum of USD 6bln in 10-20year Treasuries on Thursday (vs guidance for at least USD 4bln).

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ENERGY/8 Sept · 19:50 UTC

Iran launched an attack against US Navy ships on Monday that the US military has yet to acknowledge, WSJ reports, citing US officials.

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EQUITIES/8 Sept · 05:24 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

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ENERGY/8 Sept · 05:23 UTC

Saudi Energy Minister says a number of energy facilities and utilities were hit; are temporarily halting some operations.

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ENERGY/3 Sept · 08:03 UTC

Russian President Putin says that Russia and Ukraine should agree first; he notes that there is an opportunity to reach a peace agreement.

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EQUITIES/3 Sept · 04:54 UTC

North Korea stripped references to "peaceful unification" with South Korea from the charter of its ruling Workers' Party of Korea, according to Yonhap.

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