Macquarie predicted that gold prices may surge to a historic high of US$3,500 per ounce in 3Q, given that gold's appeal as a safe haven is continuously strengthening and concerns over a potentially deepening US deficit will provide further support. During this period, the average gold price may hit US$3,150 per ounce.Gold prices have already snowballed by 12% YTD amid geopolitical uncertainties and the impact of US tariff policies. In Macquarie's view, the deteriorating US budget outlook implies that inflation may escalate, which is conducive to gold as a hedging tool.Related NewsM Stanley Latest Focus List for H Shrs, CN ADRs, A Shrs (Table)Spot gold last printed at US$2,936.47 per ounce, up 0.06%. In contrast, gold futures for April inched down by 0.08% to US$2,944.4 per ounce.