Global tensions have driven the spot price of gold to a new all-time high exceeding $5,000 (approximately £3,700) per ounce. The surge in the price of the precious metal is attributed to significant geopolitical events, including President Trump’s Greenland acquisition threat and internal strife in the US.
Market experts anticipate further increases in gold prices, potentially reaching $6,000 this year due to escalating uncertainties and robust demand from central banks and retail investors. Russ Mould, the investment director at broker AJ Bell, noted that investors are turning to gold as a traditional safe haven amidst the current volatile environment.
The escalating prices have sparked discussions about the role of gold in pension portfolios. Mike Ambery, retirement savings director at Standard Life, highlighted that while gold can offer security in times of market uncertainty, it’s essential for individuals to understand both the advantages and limitations before incorporating it into their pension plans.
Ambery outlined two primary ways to hold gold in a pension: physical gold through a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) meeting HMRC standards, or Gold ETCs available on various pension platforms. Each method has its considerations concerning fees, risks, and practical implications, necessitating savers to carefully assess their options.
In other news, data from NIQ revealed that the British hospitality sector experienced a net closure of 382 establishments in the final quarter of 2025, with pubs, restaurants, and cafes being significantly affected. Despite a 1% increase in the number of bars, rising operational costs continue to challenge businesses in the industry.
Meanwhile, EDF is reintroducing its Sunday Saver challenge for February, offering customers free electricity on Sundays in exchange for reducing weekday peak consumption. Customers with smart meters can participate in the challenge, shifting their electricity usage away from peak hours to benefit from free electricity on designated Sundays.
Additionally, budget airline Ryanair is poised to achieve substantial profits following a higher-than-expected increase in fares. With a 6% rise in passenger numbers and a 4% increase in average fares, the airline anticipates a boost in profits for the fiscal year. The company’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, attributed part of the success to increased publicity generated from a recent dispute with Elon Musk.
Lastly, the luxury shoe chain Russell & Bromley is set to close its first store following its acquisition by Next. While Next has purchased the brand and select assets, it will only acquire three out of 36 Russell & Bromley stores, prompting ongoing evaluations of the remaining locations. The changing retail landscape underscores the evolving preferences of consumers, with a growing acceptance of AI shopping assistants. According to a survey by Adyen, nearly half of UK consumers are open to letting AI handle their entire shopping experience, indicating a shifting trend towards AI-driven retail interactions.