Live news: Gold hits record high and bitcoin makes gains

Gold prices hit fresh highs on Wednesday and bitcoin came close to hitting its record high as traders responded to geopolitical uncertainty and the prospect of a Donald Trump victory in the US election.

Gold gained 0.2 per cent to $2,781.5 per troy ounce. Bitcoin, the most traded cryptocurrency, edged up 0.1 per cent to $72,345, close to its March all-time high of $73,803.

In the US the Nasdaq Composite closed on Wednesday at a record high ahead of results from several technology companies. Shares at Alphabet rose 5 per cent after the company reported strong earnings growth.

Equities in Asia were mixed with Chinese stocks dropping and Japan’s Topix adding 1 per cent in early trading.