Gold surges past $2,000 an ounce for the first time

Gold rose to a record $2,000 an ounce as speculation increased that U.S. lawmakers would move forward on a stimulus bill, which could push more liquidity into markets and suppress rates.

Spot gold rose as much as 1.2% to $2,000.58 an ounce as of 12:20 p.m. in New York. Bullion for immediate delivery surged 11% in July, the biggest monthly gain since 2012.

Investors are closely monitoring efforts in Washington to negotiate a new coronavirus relief package that many see as key to keeping the economy afloat as the pandemic curbs activity. The pressure is building, with the Senate set to leave on a break Friday, when crucial jobs data is due. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday stimulus talks with the White House are finally moving in the right direction but they remain far apart on some issues.

“What Schumer was saying suggests we will get a package and reverse the sudden stoppage of benefits. This helps stocks and gold,” said Tai Wong, head of metals derivatives trading at BMO Capital Markets. “It means the Treasury will borrow trillions more which someday we will have to repay.”

Gold has been rallying as investors weigh a weaker dollar and record low U.S. real yields. The coronavirus pandemic prompted unprecedented amounts of stimulus to shore up economies, including lower rates, which are a boon for non-interest-yielding gold. Simmering geopolitical tensions are also boosting demand.

Holdings in both gold and silver exchange-traded funds have risen to records in the past week as concern about the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic fuels demand for havens.

Even as gold hits new highs, there are plenty of forecasts for further, substantial gains. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. says gold may climb to $2,300 as investors are “in search of a new reserve currency,” while RBC Capital Markets puts the odds of a rally to $3,000 at 40%.