Post by : Badri Ariffin

Gold climbed past the $4,000-per-ounce barrier for the first time as investors moved into the metal to shield portfolios from mounting economic and geopolitical risks. Market forecasters now expect gold to average north of $4,000 in 2026, a marked increase from roughly $3,220 per ounce just months earlier.

The advance has been pronounced this year — gold is up about 54% so far — positioning it for one of its strongest annual gains in decades. Contributing factors include waning confidence in policy makers, volatile currency movements and a broad search for stability amid an uncertain global financial landscape.

Silver has risen in tandem, rallying some 65% year-to-date and touching an all-time peak of $54.47. The metal’s gains reflect both investment flows and robust industrial demand, with shortages amplified by growth in renewable energy, electric vehicles and AI-related applications.

While some analysts anticipate that the pace of appreciation for both metals may slow next year, they still see gold and silver as essential portfolio holdings. Central banks continue to add to their gold reserves, and a growing number of investors view precious metals primarily as stores of value rather than speculative plays.

The current upswing underscores a broader shift in market sentiment: heightened global uncertainty is reinforcing demand for precious metals, which are likely to remain preferred safe havens as investors navigate ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.

#Global