Gold Rush in Martin Place Draws Crowds

Gold prices surged to a record $3,895 an ounce amid concerns over the US government shutdown and US-Russia tensions, marking a 44% annual increase and positioning gold as Australia’s third-most valuable export. Central banks are diversifying into gold, with a notable increase in retail demand in Australia, where queues form daily at ABC Bullion as buyers seek physical gold, especially ahead of the Diwali festival.