The price of gold has risen above the $1,900 an ounce mark for the first time on growing concerns about a slowdown in the global economy.

受全球经济发展放缓的影响，黄金价格首次达到1900美元一盎司。

The precious metal rose 0.9% to $1,913.50 an ounce in Asian trade.

Fears of a slowdown in the US and the debt crisis in Europe have spurred demand for gold which is seen as a safe investment in times of uncertainty¹.

Analysts² said that with further US monetary⁴ stimulus⁵ looking likely, gold prices could rise even further.

"For the time being investors⁶ are happy looking at gold as safe haven⁷ in these troubled times, and will continue to do so until we see something positive and sustainable." said Darren Heathcote of Investec Australia.

Dollar vs gold?

Analysts said demand for gold was also being driven by speculation⁸ that the US Federal Reserve may announce new stimulus measures in a bid to boost the economy.

Central bank governors from across the globe are scheduled to gather for their annual meeting at the Jackson Hole summit later this week.

There is growing speculation that Ben Bernanke, the governor of the US central bank, may announce fresh stimulus measures in his speech at the summit.

"The idea for QE2 was conceived during the Jackson Hole summit last year," Ong Yi-Ling of Phillip Futures⁹ told the BBC.

"So the markets are hoping similar measures could be announced at this year's speech and that is spurring demand for gold."

Colin Whitehead of Fat Prophets added: "If they push through with more stimulus, gold could rise even further."

He explained that a fresh stimulus package would mean that the US would have to print more money to boost liquidity¹⁰（流动性） in the markets, which in turn could see the US currency weaken further.

"The underlying¹¹ driver of gold prices is the depreciating¹²（使贬值） US dollar value," he said, "so the more money they print, the stronger gold gets."

Libya uncertainty

Oil prices also rose in early Tuesday trading, as fighting continued in Libya, and because of expectations that official figures will show a decline in US crude stockpiles.

Brent was up 33 cents to $108.69 a barrel, while US light crude advanced 62 cents to $85.04.

"It could take months before oil can start to flow again from Libya," said John Vautrain, oil analyst³ at energy consulting firm Purvin & Gurtz.

"I think there was a lot of euphoria（精神欢快） on Monday. But the whole country is not completely pacified¹³ yet and we don't have an organised government. A lot is lacking."