Gold steadied as traders took stock of political turmoil in South Korea and France, which has buoyed demand for haven assets.

Global shares were mixed and the euro was steady on Wednesday as markets digested political turmoil in South Korea, where martial law was imposed then lifted hours later, and in France, where a no-confidence vote toppled the government.

Gold and silver traded higher slightly on Wednesday — at $2,655 an ounce and $31.40, respectively — as investors took note of increasing political tensions in France and Korea, adding to an already tumultuous 2024.