Gold Prices Sustain Above $4,100, Poised for Strongest Annual Rise Since 1979

Gold prices have maintained strong momentum through 2025, holding above $4,000 per ounce and positioning for the best annual performance since 1979, driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and sustained central bank purchasing. Forecasts for 2026 remain bullish, with Bank of America projecting gold could reach $5,000 per ounce, supported by factors such as unorthodox fiscal policies, rising debt levels, a weaker dollar, and declining real interest rates. Analysts surveyed by Reuters expect the average gold price to surpass $4,000 in 2026 due to continued demand as a safe-haven asset amid policy uncertainties and global instability. Precious metals consultancy Metals Focus echoes this outlook, predicting gold to average $4,560 per ounce in 2026, alongside significant gains for silver, platinum, and palladium driven by investment demand and market tightness. While some technical analysts anticipate a short-term bearish correction around the current high price levels, medium and long-term fundamentals suggest ongoing upward pressure on gold prices. Investors seeking stability amid volatile markets continue to view gold as a store of value, with gold IRAs offering a way to invest without the challenges of physical storage.