The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that gold prices marched to record levels above $5,100 on Monday, as investors sought a safe haven amid international political tension. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says silver and platinum also scaled all-time highs. Spot gold was up 2 per cent at $5,077.22 an ounce by 1:31 p.m. ET after hitting a record $5,110.50. U.S. gold futures for February delivery settled 2.1 per cent higher at $5,082.50. "Gold prices continue to be supported by elevated geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Central banks remain strong buyers as they diversify foreign exchange reserves and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar," said Sprott president Ryan McIntyre. "In addition, investor inflows into physically backed exchange-traded funds have resumed, with holdings up approximately 20 per cent year over year." In the latest geopolitical flareup, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would impose a 100-per-cent tariff on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China. Adrian Ash, head of research at marketplace BullionVault, said gold's boom is all about Mr. Trump and that a wave of new first-time investing from Asia and Europe is driving this move in precious metals.