Gold soared as much as 8% to its highest in more than two years on Friday after Britain delivered a shock vote to leave the European Union, sending investors scurrying for protection in bullion and other assets perceived as lower risk.
Britain's vote to leave the European Union forced the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron and dealt the biggest blow to the European project of greater unity since World War Two.
In sterling terms, gold delivered double-digit percentage gains to top 1,000 pounds (about $1,360 U.S.) an ounce for the first time in more than three years, rallying as much as 21% in early trade, while euro-priced gold rose as much as 13%
Spot gold peaked at $1,358.20 U.S. per ounce and was up 4.6% at $1,312.70 an ounce, while U.S. gold futures for August delivery were up $52.80 an ounce at $1,315.80 U.S. off an early high of $1,362.60 an ounce.
Shares of gold mining companies also rocketed higher, with a fund tracking the industry opening nearly 8% higher.
Silver futures were up 2.6% at $17.81 U.S. an ounce, while platinum futures were 1.4% higher at $979.40 U.S. an ounce.
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