Gold drops below $4,000 as market sell-off intensifies

Gold: Gold is a precious metal widely used as an investment asset and traditional store of value, often sought for protection during periods of market stress. In the reported sell-off, gold fell below the $4,000 level alongside equities as investors appeared to liquidate holdings to raise cash, weakening its short-term safe-haven performance. Macro pressure: Higher bond yields, a firmer dollar, and expectations of tighter monetary policy have recently weighed on gold. Market dynamics: Analysts described the decline as a liquidity-driven sell-off in which margin-call pressures can force investors to sell gold alongside risk assets. Safe-haven demand: Central-bank buying and diversification demand continue to provide longer-term support even as gold experiences short-term volatility.