Gold has gained about 26% so far this year, on track for its best annual performance since 2010, largely driven by the U.S. central bank's interest rate cut and heightened geopolitical tensions that have driven investors to the traditional safe-haven asset. Analysts believe the yellow metal, which was trading around $2,610 an ounce early yesterday, is poised to continue its rise next year as some central banks continue to turn to gold to diversify their reserves, interest-bearing assets lose