Precious metals rallied sharply as gold touched an unprecedented $4,037 per ounce before settling near $4,005 amid persistent geopolitical uncertainty and strong central-bank buying. Silver advanced 2.2% to $31 per ounce on safe-haven flows. Analysts linked the move to risk aversion from the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and softening dollar index. Traders noted sustained ETF inflows and limited mine output continue to constrain supply. Despite the pullback, bullion remains up more than 18% year-to-date, underscoring resilient investor hedging demand.