Oct 16 (Reuters) – Gold hit a record high on Thursday as investors sought refuge in the metal amid persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties, with expectations of U.S. rate cuts and a weaker dollar adding support. FUNDAMENTALS * Spot gold rose 0.4% to $4,224.79 per ounce, as of 0033 GMT, after hitting a record high of $4225.69. * U.S. gold futures for December delivery gained 0.9% to $4,239.70. * Bullion, often seen as a safe-haven asset during periods of uncertainty, which tends to do well in low-interest-rate environment, has surged 61% year-to-date. * The U.S. dollar index edged down 0.1%, trading near a one-week low and making dollar-priced gold cheaper for foreign buyers. * U.S. officials on Wednesday criticised China's expanded rare earth export controls, describing them as

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