Gold prices have slumped this year, falling about 2 percent. The stock market bull run, a strengthening U.S. dollar, and immense investor confidence have weighed on the precious metal for much of 2021. A global inflation surge and growing economic concerns have sparked a more than 5 percent gain for the yellow metal. After recently hitting its best level since the middle of June, some market analysts have turned bullish on its prospects, anticipating a breakout rally for the metal commodity. December gold futures advanced to around $1,865 an ounce Wednesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Silver, the sister commodity to gold, also climbed above $25 per ounce midweek. Can gold maintain its image as an inflation-hedge, or will tightening monetary policy limit its latest leap? International Broad-Based Inflation The U.S. annual inflation rate surpassed 6 percent. Canada’s consumer price index (CPI) surged to an 18-year high of 4.7 …