Tim Watrey, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, suggests that gold could reach the $4,500 mark sooner than anticipated, contingent on the duration of trade tensions and government shutdown concerns. Federal Reserve Governor Waller's support for another rate cut, due to labor market worries, aligns with investor expectations of a 25 basis point cut in October and December. Watrey highlights that rising credit concerns among US regional banks are prompting traders to invest in gold. The metal's price has surged over 65% this year, fueled by geopolitical tensions, anticipated rate cuts, central bank purchases, de-dollarization, and strong ETF inflows.