Spot gold prices climbed above $4,000 an ounce for the first time, as concerns over the US economy and a government shutdown added fresh momentum to a scorching rally. Bullion climbed as much as 0.4% to $4,001.01 an ounce on Wednesday. It’s a milestone moment for the metal that traded below $2,000 just two years ago, with returns that now well outstrip those for equities this century. Gold has jumped more than 50% this year in the face of uncertainties over global trade, the Federal Reserve’s independence and fiscal stability in the US. At the same time, geopolitical tensions have boosted demand for haven assets, while central banks have continued to buy gold at an elevated pace. For more, we spoke to by Bill Adams, Chief Economist at Comerica Bank. Plus, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda will likely face a tougher political environment in the second half of his five-year term starting Thursday after the ruling party leadership victory of Sanae Takaichi, a critic of interest rate increases. Ueda already faces a dilemma. The central bank appeared to be laying the groundwork for its first interest rate hike since January later this month. Now, following Takaichi's win, if Ueda goes ahead with an increase he risks antagonizing a premier who might then seek more sway over the BOJ's decisions going forward. For more, we spoke to Bloomberg's Paul Jackson.

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