Gold Prices Slide Below $4,800 After Trump Eases European Tariff Threat
Gold prices dipped below the $4,800 per ounce level during early Asian trading on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back from previously threatening tariffs on European countries tied to his controversial Greenland strategy. This shift in rhetoric eased some geopolitical fears and reduced immediate safe-haven demand for bullion.
Why Gold Is Pulling Back
In late trading on Wednesday, gold surged to near record levels near $4,900 per ounce, driven by heightened uncertainty over mounting tensions between the U.S., NATO allies, and Europe regarding control of Greenland and potential trade conflicts. That rally pushed gold aggressively higher as investors sought safety amid political risk and a softer U.S. dollar.
However, headlines from the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday signaled a de-escalation in tariff threats and movement toward a “framework deal” involving Greenland, reducing immediate risk sentiment. As a result, gold trimmed earlier gains and traded around the $4,790-$4,800 range during Asian hours.
Market Reaction & Wider Impact
Traders also noted that safe-haven metals like silver weakened alongside gold, reflecting reduced urgency for risk-off assets as global markets stabilized. Though geopolitical risks remain, investors are now watching upcoming U.S. economic data, including inflation and labor figures, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook and further impact gold direction.
Even with the pullback, gold’s retreat from record highs still leaves prices historically elevated, and many analysts believe broader macroeconomic drivers, such as inflationary pressures, central bank buying, and currency concerns, could support continued interest in the precious metal over the longer run.
