What can we expect from gold price forecasts in the coming days? A comprehensive guide to the future of gold investment in 2026

Gold has experienced a strong upward trend since the beginning of the year, reaching new record levels reflecting market expectations for gold prices in the coming days. With prices rising rapidly in January, the investment world has entered a new phase of cautious anticipation about what the coming months hold for this precious metal.

Current Gold Situation: Market Outlook in February 2026

This month began with a noticeable shift in market dynamics. After the wild jump in January that pushed prices close to $5,600 per ounce, February saw a natural correction settling around $4,885. This decline is not a sign of collapse but a logical profit-taking and rebalancing by investors.

The shift from rapid ascent to relative consolidation reflects a more mature market environment. Analysts see this as an opportunity to reassess the economic and geopolitical fundamentals supporting these historically high prices.

Gold’s Journey from Last Year to Now: Essential Context

To accurately understand gold price forecasts, a brief look back is necessary. 2025 was exceptional by all measures, with the precious metal gaining nearly 70%, surpassing most major institutional expectations.

It started the year around $3,000 per ounce, then surged strongly in Q2 and Q3, approaching $3,400. By the end of Q4, it reached a new peak near $4,550 before stabilizing in December.

This rally was not accidental. Growing demand for ETFs, central banks’ reservations about fiat currencies, and increasing geopolitical tensions all combined to create a “perfect storm” for gold’s rise.

Thus, entering this year, the environment is entirely different, with gold now a favored asset among serious and professional investors alike.

Top Analysts’ Forecasts: What Do Experts Say?

When discussing gold price expectations for the remaining months of 2026, the picture is complex but generally optimistic:

Main Bullish Outlook: Most studies agree that gold will continue to maintain its strength. JPMorgan predicts a possible surpassing of $6,300 by year-end, supported by ongoing central bank purchases. UBS goes further, raising its forecast to $6,200, with an extreme scenario reaching $7,200 in case of severe geopolitical tensions.

Moderate Estimates: Deutsche Bank expects around $6,000 during the year, while Goldman Sachs is more cautious at $5,400. Bank of America targets $5,000, with Morgan Stanley and Citi providing a broader range between $4,800 and $5,700.

This variation in forecasts is not a sign of chaos but a realistic indication that the market is influenced by multiple, changing factors.

Real Factors Moving Gold Prices: Beyond the Numbers

Inflation: The Main Enemy of Purchasing Power

Inflation remains the primary driver. The latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading in December 2025 showed stability at 2.7%, still above the Federal Reserve’s target by 0.7 percentage points. This gap indicates that inflationary pressures have not fully disappeared, boosting gold’s appeal as a store of value.

Dollar Strength: The Inverse Relationship

The US dollar plays a mirror game with gold. Its relative weakness in recent months has helped push prices higher. Any future strengthening of the dollar could put significant downward pressure on gold.

Central Bank Policies: The Key Variable

The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Reserve Bank of India are all under scrutiny. Any signals of further interest rate hikes could reverse the trend. However, current expectations point to relative stability or even possible cuts, supporting gold.

Geopolitical Uncertainty: Gold’s Ally

Ongoing global tensions, whether in the Middle East or Europe, mean investors will continue seeking safe havens. Historically, gold remains the top choice.

ETF Demand: A Silent Force

Money flows into gold ETFs have not stopped. In 2020 alone, over 700 tons entered these funds. The potential repetition of this scenario suggests ongoing upward pressure.

Best Ways to Invest in Gold Now: Options and Accounts

For Long-Term Investors

If you seek to protect your capital and preserve purchasing power, buying bars and coins remains the primary choice. A modern alternative is investing in gold-backed ETFs, offering real ownership without storage hassles.

Advantages: peace of mind, no daily monitoring, protection against market crashes.

Challenges: storage and insurance costs for physical gold, returns depend solely on price appreciation, with no additional income.

For Active Traders

Gold CFDs offer unmatched flexibility. You can speculate on both rises and falls, using leverage to amplify your capital. For example: depositing $1,000 with 1:100 leverage controls $100,000 worth of gold.

If the price jumps from $4,700 to $4,710, you make $1,000 profit on your $1,000 deposit. The reverse is also true.

Advantages: potential quick profits, no need to own physical gold, greater control over trades.

Risks: losses can be rapid, daily rollover costs, require careful monitoring.

A Middle Option: ETFs

This combines the convenience of long-term investing with short-term trading flexibility. You can enter and exit easily without owning physical gold, with lower storage costs.

Risks and Scenarios That Could Change the Game

No gold price forecast is complete without considering negative scenarios:

1. Fed’s Aggressive Tightening: If the Federal Reserve raises interest rates unexpectedly fast, the market could sharply reverse. Higher-yielding fiat currencies might attract capital away from gold.

2. Sudden Resolution of Geopolitical Tensions: If major conflicts resolve unexpectedly, safe-haven demand could plummet.

3. Mass Selling by Investors: Bad news could trigger a wave of sell-offs, especially from ETFs.

4. Dollar Strengthening: A strong dollar rally could simultaneously weaken gold.

Conclusion: What Should You Do Now?

Gold price forecasts look generally optimistic, but not guaranteed. The most likely path is gradual continued growth with natural fluctuations.

If you’re considering investing:

Set clear goals: Are you protecting capital or seeking profits?

Choose the right instrument: Bars and coins for long-term safety, futures or CFDs for quick gains.

Diversify: Don’t put all your money into gold alone; it should be part of a balanced portfolio.

Follow economic news: Especially Federal Reserve decisions and inflation data.

Avoid emotional investing: Stick to a clear plan even amid daily volatility.

Ultimately, gold has been a safe haven for thousands of years for good reason. Success in investing requires a deep understanding of the driving factors and sticking to a well-defined plan.