Gold prices rise most to start year since 1980

In Australian dollars the performance is even better. We're now back above $1,700 an ounce, up the better part of 20 per cent for the year in just six weeks.

"Gold could not only reclaim $US1,800 to $US2,000 an ounce but actually move substantially higher," said Jordan Eliseo.

"I think we're going to see a repeat of the 1970s, which would see gold prices move in today's terms to at least $US3,000 an ounce and with downward pressure on the Australian dollar the Australian dollar gold price could go substantially higher."

Gold prices rise most to start year since 1980