The price of gold has risen 31 percent in the last year. It shattered the psychological barrier at $1,500.50 before retreating several dollars an ounce.

    Various unsettling events in the world in the last few months - such as the political unrest in the Middle East and then the earthquake and tsunami in Japan - have pushed some investors to look for what they view as a secure commodity. Increasingly, they have bought gold.

    The price hit the new record high after the Standard & Poor's financial services firm on Monday lowered its economic outlook for the United States from "stable" to "negative" on fears that the country's leaders will not be able to reach a deal to rein in the growing U.S. governmental debt.

    Some analysts say the price of gold could increase further.  Investors have also bought another much cheaper commodity - silver. It has risen to more than $43 an ounce - a three-decade high.(本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑)