Gold climbs above $5,000 as data delays, Fed uncertainty, and Middle East tensions drive safe-haven demand. Hawkish policy signals and geopolitical risks provide a strong backdrop for gold’s continued bullish momentum.

Market indexes caved mid-afternoon on a combination rotation out of high-growth tech (of which AI stocks looked to be riding up again before getting slapped down Friday) and a tenuous feel regarding what’s around the corner for the economy.