Precious metal prices, including gold and silver, surged as investors sought safe havens amid uncertainty over the US election and tensions in the Middle East. Gold reached a record high of $2,740 an ounce, while silver hit $34 an ounce for the first time since 2012. The rise in prices is driven by expectations of further interest rate cuts by central banks worldwide, as well as concerns about the US election and conflict in the Middle East. Lower interest rates make gold more attractive to investors and it is seen as a safe asset in uncertain times.