Gold Surges to Record High as U.S. Reserves Exceed $1 Trillion

Gold (XAUUSD) is poised for its strongest annual performance since 1979, with a 43% year-to-date return amid economic turbulence marked by trade tensions, labor market instability, and potential government shutdown risks. The U.S. Treasury's Gold holdings surpassed $1 trillion in market value this week, though their official book value remains pegged at $11 billion under a 1973 statutory valuation of $42.22 per ounce.

A hypothetical revaluation of U.S. gold reserves at current prices could inject nearly $990 billion into government accounts - an action comparable to quantitative easing that WOULD contradict the Federal Reserve's current tightening posture. The United States maintains the world's largest sovereign gold stockpile at 8,100 metric tons, dwarfing Germany's 3,400 tons and Italy's 2,500 tons.