Gold Prices Expected to Reach New Heights in 2026
Global gold markets are entering 2026 on a historic high, with experts predicting prices could reach $5,000 per ounce amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, central bank purchases, and a strong demand for safe-haven and structural assets. This surge is driven by investor demand, expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, and continuous purchases by central banks worldwide.
Record-Breaking Gold Prices in 2025
In 2025, gold surged more than 70%, the sharpest annual rise since 1979. Funds tracking gold via ETFs saw record inflows, totaling $64 billion through October 2025, with September alone accounting for $17.3 billion. This significant increase in gold prices and investment in gold-based funds indicates a strong appetite for the precious metal among investors.
Predictions for 2026
Analysts from institutions including J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs project that 2026 will continue this bullish trend. J.P. Morgan expects gold to hit $5,055 per ounce by year-end, while Goldman Sachs sets a target of $4,900 per ounce, citing strong demand from emerging markets and ongoing central bank accumulation. European analysts, including UBS, view gold as a long-term structural asset for investment portfolios, with prices potentially reaching $4,900 per ounce by year-end if geopolitical risks intensify.
Asian Markets and Central Bank Purchases
Asian markets reflect similar optimism. Banks like DBS and UOB highlight surging physical gold purchases in China and India, with investors increasingly favoring bars and coins for savings and hedging against currency volatility. Central banks across Asia are also boosting gold reserves to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, further supporting prices. The U.S. remains the top holder of gold with 8,133 tons, followed by Germany (3,352 tons) and Italy (2,452 tons), while China’s steady accumulation, now totaling 2,304 tons, underscores the strategic shift toward diversifying reserves away from the dollar.
Outlook for Thailand
For Thailand, market observers including MTS Gold, Hua Seng Heng, and YLG foresee gold continuing its upward trajectory in 2026, with domestic prices possibly hitting 70,000–80,000 baht per baht-weight. Fluctuations will occur due to profit-taking, policy uncertainties, and shifts in global interest rates, but the overall outlook remains bullish.
Conclusion
With gold increasingly recognized as a “structural asset” rather than just a safe haven, 2026 could mark a pivotal year for investors seeking security amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. As central banks and investors continue to accumulate gold, driven by its value as a store of wealth and a hedge against economic instability, the price of gold is expected to reach new heights, offering a promising investment opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolios and secure their wealth.
