Gold prices jump as weak economic growth and fresh tariff threats drive safe haven demand
Gold prices climbed over one percent today as weak US economic growth and renewed tariff uncertainty fueled demand. Investors sought safety following soft GDP.
Gold prices rose more than 1% on February 20, 2026, as investors reacted to a combination of disappointing economic growth data and a significant shift in trade policy. The U.S. 
US fourth-quarter GDP growth was reported at a 1.4% annualized rate, a figure that came in well below the economists' forecast of about 3%. This slowdown reported by the U.S. government occurred alongside a pivotal legal and executive development regarding national trade strategy.
US fourth-quarter GDP growth was reported at a 1.4% annualized rate, a figure that came in well below the economists' forecast of about 3%. This slowdown reported by the U.S. government occurred alongside a pivotal legal and executive development regarding national trade strategy.Immediately following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on his tariffs, President Donald Trump announced a 10% global tariff. This announcement from the Office of the U.S. President and the subsequent shift in U.S. tariff policy, combined with the weaker-than-expected GDP print, led to a sharp increase in economic and policy uncertainty. These factors provided strong support for safe-haven and precious-metals prices, driving up demand across the precious metals sector, which includes gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
