Bullion headed for its best year since 2010
Trump39;s trade policies key for gold prices in 2025 analyst
Silver gained over 21 so far this year
Platinum, palladium set for annual losses

Dec 30 Reuters Gold prices were little changed on Tuesday, the last trading day of a recordbreaking year that drove the metal to its best annual performance since 2010 on robust central bank buying, geopolitical tensions and monetary policy easing by major global banks.

Spot gold eased 0.1 to 2,603.69 per ounce, as of 0608 GMT. U.S. gold futures also shed 0.1 to 2,615.50.

Gold enjoyed a stellar year in 2024 and much of that move higher was predicated on the expected transition towards a lower interest rate environment, said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

As one of the best performing assets of 2024, bullion prices have gained more than 26 yeartodate, the biggest annual jump since 2010, and scaled multiple records to end at 2,790.15 on Oct. 31.

The market now awaits a fresh set of catalysts, including a slew of U.S. economic data due next week that could influence the Federal Reserve39;s interest rate outlook for 2025, and Presidentelect Donald Trump39;s tariff policies.

For 2025, the U.S. interest rate outlook will remain a primary driver of the gold price. Trump39;s trade policies will be key in shaping the inflationary picture, the Fed39;s interest rate trajectory, and in turn, the gold price, Waterer said.

The Fed aggressively cut rates in September,…