metal's

Heavy liquidation of gold holdings in a bid to free up cash to cover payments elsewhere has been a major factor in gold's losses this month, and analysts remain cautious of the metal's ability to hold on to its gains should the broad markets turn sharply bearish once more.

Gold Price Rises Francesca Freeman 2011

Minmetals Resources made its move despite copper prices—often seen as an indicator of economic growth because of the metal's wide industrial use—falling about 27% from a recent peak at the start of August.

China's Minmetals to Acquire Miner Anvil David Winning 2011

Voices calling for a demise to gold's bull run have been drowned out amid the metal's continued surge in the role of a "safe haven" from a variety of factors, ranging from doubts about Europe's ability to manage its sovereign debt to worries that China's economic growth will hit a wall.

Gold's Run-Up Hits Wall as Futures Plunge Below $1,800 Tatyana Shumsky 2011

Some investors turn to gold as a haven from turmoil in other markets, but the metal's performance when euro-zone fears have been at the forefront has been mixed.

Gold Slips as Italy Fears Push Dollar Higher Matt Day 2011

Losses in wider markets in recent months have encouraged investors to sell risk assets, including gold, despite the metal's reputation as an alternative store of value when times are tough.

Gold, Silver Appear Set to Shine in '12 Rhiannon Hoyle 2011

Bloomberg News Gold plunged below $1,800, in a dramatic reversal from a record-setting run that bred complacency about the yellow metal's risks.

Gold's Run-Up Hits Wall as Futures Plunge Below $1,800 Tatyana Shumsky 2011

NEW YORK—Gold prices edged higher as the dollar pared earlier gains against other currencies, restoring some of the precious metal's allure to foreign buyers.

Gold Ekes Out Gain Tatyana Shumsky 2011

NEW YORK—Gold prices rose as a sharply lower dollar and the metal's declines to two-week lows earlier this week drew some buyers back to the market.

Gold Finishes Higher Matt Day 2011

Some yards pay in cash and ask few questions about the metal's origin, he added.

Stolen Sculpture Represents Hot Market for Metals Jeanne Whalen 2011

Investors who had bought gold as a safe haven have grown cautious on the metal's outlook, he said, with some finding "the safest haven is the broadest, deepest, liquid market, which is the dollar."

Gold Futures Settle Lower Matt Day 2011