Gold prices climbed more than 2% on Monday to their highest since February 2013, as a spike in coronavirus cases in several countries outside China heightened worries about a hit to global economic growth, prompting a flight to safe havens.

Spot gold was up 1.1% at $1,661.86 per ounce by 0304 GMT, after climbing to $1,678.58 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures rose 1% to 1,664.60.

Global equities extended losses as concerns about the spread of the virus beyond China grew with sharp rises in infections in Italy and Iran, while South Korea raised its infectious disease alert to its highest level.

Source : Reuters