Gold prices rose again to record highs, driven by increased investor demand for safe-haven assets following the US government shutdown, as well as weak labor market data that reinforced expectations of Fed rate cuts.

The US dollar index, meanwhile, fell to its lowest level in over a week.

The US government has suspended much of its operations, as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding agreement. The shutdown may delay the release of key economic data, including the nonfarm payrolls report scheduled for Friday.

Sellers were unable to defend the $3,780 level, which had acted as the nearest support — the market continues to set new highs.