By Gina Lee
Investing.com – Gold was up on Monday morning in Asia, with investors turning to the safe-haven asset after tensions between the United States and China rose over the weekend.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to end Hong Kong’s special trade status in his response to China’s national security laws for Hong Kong and Macau on Friday but did not provide specifics.
China approved the enactment of the laws the day before.
Gold futures were up 0.33% at $1,757.50 by 1:08 AM ET (6:08 AM GMT). Stocks, which usually move in the opposite direction to gold, were also up on Monday.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell further decreased investors’ risk appetites when he indicated on Friday that economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19 could be derailed if there is a surge in the number of U.S. cases.
Meanwhile, investors were also spooked as protests flared up in dozens of cities in the U.S. over the death of George Floyd on Sunday. Concerns were raised over the impact to the economic recovery, as well as the possibility of a second wave of infections.