Gold breaks $2,600 barrier as Fed cut bets prolong historic run

Gold prices surged past $2,600 for the first time, driven by expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts and rising Middle East tensions. Spot gold rose 1.3% to $2,620.63 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures increased by 1.2%. Analysts predict potential corrections but note geopolitical risks could sustain demand.