GOLD TOPS $4,400 AS RATE CUT BETS LIFT METALS Gold surged past $4,400 an ounce for the first time, driven by expectations of US rate cuts and strong safe-haven demand. Spot gold rose to about $4,411, extending a near 68% gain this year, its biggest annual rise since 1979. Silver hit a record near $69, up 139% year to date, supported by supply shortages and industrial demand. A weaker dollar and central bank buying also boosted prices, while platinum and palladium posted sharp gains.(*Walter Bloomberg)