Gold gained 32 percent this year as surging fuel expenses boosted demand for the metal as a hedge against inflation. The spot price climbed to a record $850 on Jan. 21, 1980.
The dollar declined against 14 of the 16 most active currencies this year as the Fed lowered borrowing costs three times because of a slumping housing market.
Gold futures are headed for the biggest annual gain since 1979, the longest rally since futures began trading in 1975. Futures reached a 27-year high of $848 on Nov. 7.