As the second quarter kicks off, gold has once again risen to record levels, continuing its recent gains, Gold Ten reported. Spot gold rose 0.8% in early trading on Monday, breaking through the $2,250/ounce mark for the first time. Data on Friday showed that the Fed's preferred underlying inflation measure fell in February, adding further evidence that the central bank may cut interest rates this year. Gold has been one of the better-performing major commodities so far this year, rising more than 8% in the first quarter, as ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, in addition to the prospect of easing monetary policy from major central banks, have bolstered its status as a safe-haven asset Appeal.