After throwing jabs at the psychological $2000 level, are gold bulls setting up for a knockout blow or ready to throw in the towel?

An exceptional list of high-risk events could "trick or treat" investors in the week ahead.

As far as markets are concerned, the European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to leave rates unchanged in October for the first time in over a year, amid signs of cooling inflation.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East over the weekend triggered risk aversion, sending investors rushing toward safe-haven assets with gold prices gapping over $20 at market open.