Gold Price Surges Past $5,000 Amidst Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty

The price of gold surpassed $5,000 an ounce for the first time ever, marking a significant milestone in a historic rally that saw the precious metal's value increase by more than 60% in 2025, according to BBC Business. This surge is attributed to growing concerns surrounding financial and geopolitical uncertainty, particularly escalating tensions between the US and NATO over Greenland.

US President Donald Trump's trade policies have also contributed to market anxieties. He recently threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it strikes a trade deal with China, BBC Business reported. Gold and other precious metals are often viewed as "safe-haven assets" that investors turn to during times of instability. Silver also experienced a surge, topping $100 an ounce for the first time on Friday, according to BBC Business.

The rise in gold prices coincides with other significant economic and political developments. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey suggested the UK government should issue war bonds to accelerate defense spending, BBC reported. Davey argued that these bonds, which could raise up to £20 billion for the military, would demonstrate the UK's commitment to defense and provide the public with a patriotic avenue to support it. He told the BBC that bonds would send a signal to markets that the UK takes defence seriously. A government spokesperson said "new debt instruments" were kept under review.

Meanwhile, prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly mainstream, with younger generations embracing them, Vox reported. A 2023 AxiosHarris poll revealed that half of US adults are open to signing a prenup, with 41% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials who are engaged or have been married having entered into such agreements. New apps that simplify the process may be contributing to this trend, according to Vox.

The tech industry continues to experience rapid advancements and challenges. Multiple news sources highlighted a range of recent developments, from HP and Home Depot's promotional strategies and tech product discounts like Nothing Ear (a) earbuds, to Intel's mixed Q4 earnings and potential supply constraints for new processors, BBC Business reported. Innovations span the creation of a tungsten carbide catalyst for plastic upcycling, AI-driven entrepreneurship, and blockchain's use in humanitarian aid, while challenges emerge for Tesla regarding data provision to UK police and for Telly in meeting its ad-supported TV shipment goals.

AI is also dominating headlines, with advancements and concerns surrounding OpenAI's ChatGPT Health and data privacy debates being widely reported, according to NYT Technology.