Gold’s record-setting rally is making ever-larger waves in China by stoking retail demand, fanning unprecedented volumes, feeding volatility, and drawing warnings from the authorities.

Gold has jumped to a fresh high as investors fret over the impact of the trade war between the US and China. Spot gold touched $3,357.40 (£2,540) per ounce on Wednesday, before dipping from its peak. It has risen by around a third since the start of the year.

Gold declined more than 1% on Friday and was headed for a weekly fall as news that China has exempted some U.S. goods from its tariffs raised hopes of a de-escalation in trade tensions. Spot gold was down 1.