Gold prices hit a six-month high on Wednesday as concerns over global growth and a partial government shutdown in the United States fuelled risk aversion, prompting investors to seek refuge in the metal. Spot gold climbed 0.3% to $1,271.85 per ounce. The metal hit $1272.56 in early trade, its highest since June 20. US gold futures were up 0.3% at $1,275.8 per ounce. Investors are uneasy about global economical growth and are seeking gold as a safe-haven, said Yuichi Ikemizu, Tokyo branch manager at ICBC Standard Bank, adding the sharp sell-off in stock markets has also lent support. "We always see good demand for gold in the year-end. I would not be surprised if we see gold surpass $1,300 in the near future." Asian equities were shaky following a Christmas eve US stocks plunge. Wall Street has dropped sharply in recent weeks on concerns over weaker economic growth, compounded by political instability in the United States after a partial government shutdown. The US Senate has been un...
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