Gold Hits $5,000 Amid Fed-Cut Outlook; Weak US Retail Sales Weigh On Dollar

Gold rose to $5,044.53 per ounce as of 01:18 EST on February 11, 2026, testing $6,000 as a year-end target amid a weak U.S. retail sales report that strengthens the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield hit its lowest in nearly a month, and the dollar weakened against all G-10 currencies. The pullback in yields supported gold, as the metal does not pay interest and typically gains when yields elsewhere become less attractive. Silver climbed 2% to $82.43 per ounce, while platinum and palladium added over 1.5%. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index, a gauge of the U.S. currency, edged down after a three-day losing streak. Analysts note speculative positioning is less concentrated, suggesting reduced volatility and a potential foundation for further gains if U.S. borrowing costs continue to decline.