<h1>Gold hits record as rate-cut hopes and weaker dollar collide with central bank independence ruling and tariff discretion debate</h1> Gold futures reached record highs amid expectations of a US central bank rate cut, a weaker dollar and geopolitical tensions, lifting domestic and international contracts. Market commentary noted policymakers' pending policy decision and economic data as key price drivers. Legally significant developments included a US appeals court rejecting an attempt by the US President to remove a Federal Reserve governor, a decision characterized as reinforcing central bank independence, and a statement by the US Treasury Secretary that additional tariffs on Chinese goods would not be imposed absent similar actions by European states, highlighting trade-policy discretion and potential interstate coordination issues.