Gold futures hit a fresh record high on Monday, according to The Wall Street Journal. Concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence, expectations of interest rate cuts, and tariff uncertainty fueled safe-haven demand. Continuous gold futures rose 0.8 to $3,543.80 a troy ounce on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after touching $3,557.10 earlier in the session. Prices are up more than 34 year-to-date, bolstered by geopolitical tensions, Trump’s move to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook, and renewed pressure on the U.S. dollar. Gold miners gained on the rally, with Hochschild Mining up 6.2, Fresnillo up 1.7, and Harmony Gold up 4.6. Friday’s inflation data reinforced expectations of a September Fed rate cut, while Trump’s legal battle over tariffs and Cook’s removal deepened uncertainty, driving investors to bullion.