PRECIOUS METALS: Gold surged to a six-month high on the back of the Fed stimulus, while platinum was propelled by fresh labour unrest in key producer South Africa.
"The gold price rose ... and looks set to continue its upward trajectory in the current economic climate as an increasingly inflationary environment in the United States is supportive of a strong gold price going forwards," said Westhouse Securities analyst Rob Broke.
Gold is seen as a good hedge against inflation and also takes on a haven status in times of economic unrest.
The glamorous metal raced as high as $1,778 per ounce, which was the highest level since February 29. Silver meanwhile jumped to $34.94, last reached in March.
At the same time, platinum soared to $1,715.12 an ounce - also last seen on February 29.
The world's number four platinum producer Aquarius Platinum on Friday halted operations at a South African mine as rising unrest also forced top ferrochrome company Xstrata to shut down a chrome plant.
Police used stun grenades to disperse 1,500 protesters who had gathered at Aquarius and arrested seven people after the government announced a crackdown on the growing labour troubles.
By late Friday on the London Bullion Market, gold surged to $1,775.50 an ounce from $1,728 a week earlier.
Silver soared to $34.71 an ounce from $32.22.
RNS Price at posting:
20.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
