Gold

Eclectica's Hugh Hendry has argued there is no longer any rationality behind owning gold mining equities, as the intervention of quantitative easing in 2009 has distorted valuations across the sector.

As equity markets wane and politicians dither, gold has moved firmly back into the limelight recently, with investor demand for the precious metal sending its price rebounding back near record highs.

Newton's Iain Stewart is finally reaping the rewards of a move into gold miners following a strong rally in recent weeks.

The price for gold bullion, measured in fine troy ounces, is fixed twice a day in London to allow market users to trade gold at a single level.

The gold spot price rose to its highest level this year yesterday as global equity markets started the quarter with strong rises.

Jupiter's Merlin multi-manager team, led by CIO John Chatfeild-Roberts, have refused to rule out the possibility of a default by a nation in "the garlic belt" of Mediterranean countries.

The FTSE 100 gained more than 80 points in early trading while global markets leapt higher overnight, lifted by the Federal Reserve's latest round of quantitative easing.

Gold has climbed to its highest level in more than five months as speculation the next round of QE in the US is just weeks away pushed the precious metal higher.

Gold miners and their peers helped push the UK's leading index higher today, enjoying gains as precious metal prices rose.

The US Republican party is reportedly to look at restoring the link between the dollar and gold as part of its platform for the 2012 elections.