Khaberni - Precious metals started the new year on a rise on Friday, with gold edging up slightly from its lowest level in two weeks which it reached in the previous session, while other metals compensated for some of the losses they had suffered over the week.
However, the metals recorded unprecedented gains in 2025.
As of 00:19 GMT, gold in spot transactions advanced 0.8% to $4346.69 per ounce after having reached a record level of $4549.71 on December 26. It had dropped to its lowest level in two weeks on Wednesday.
U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose 0.5% to $4360.60 per ounce.
The precious metal saw a massive rise in 2025, ending the year with annual gains of 64%, the largest since 1979.
Last year, gold was supported by the reduction in interest rates and bets on more monetary easing from the Federal Reserve, geopolitical conflicts, and strong demand from central banks.
According to the minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting, which lasted two days in December, the U.S. central bank did not agree to reduce interest rates until after a very detailed discussion.
Investors expect at least two interest rate cuts this year.
Gold, which yields no return, tends to perform well when interest rates are low.
Silver in spot transactions increased by 2.1% to $72.75 per ounce after recording its highest level ever at $83.62 on Monday. Silver ended the year up 147%, significantly outperforming gold, making 2025 its best year ever.
Platinum in spot transactions rose 0.2% to $2057.74 per ounce after rising to its highest level ever at $2478.50 on Monday, also recording its largest annual gains ever after rising 127%.
Palladium increased 2.4% reaching $1642.90 per ounce, ending last year up 76%, the best performance in 15 years.
