Will Gold and Silver Continue Their Rally in 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gold's rally is supported by safe-haven flows.
- Central banks are increasing their gold reserves.
- Potential corrections in 2026 due to economic factors.
- Silver faces risks from overvaluation and industrial demand.
- Gold-backed ETFs have reached record assets under management.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) The surge of gold in 2025, soaring approximately 60% year-to-date, is poised to carry forward its momentum into 2026, buoyed by safe-haven flows and significant central bank acquisitions, according to a report released on Thursday.
The analysis from Axis Mutual Fund, however, cautions investors to prepare for potential corrections and fluctuations throughout 2026.
Factors such as increased real yields, a robust US dollar, enhanced global growth, diminished inflationary pressures, and a hawkish US policy stance could potentially dampen demand, the report warns.
In terms of silver's prospects for 2026, analysts indicated that overvaluation might trigger ETF outflows, while a decline in copper prices could also exert downward pressure on silver prices.
“Our overall outlook for silver remains optimistic, with several positive factors that could support its rally, even as its valuations appear stretched,” the report noted.
Gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen robust inflows, with total assets reaching a record near $470 billion by the end of Q3CY25, and demand for physical bars and coins consistently exceeding 300 tonnes for three consecutive quarters.
“In the short term, we maintain a positive outlook on gold, driven by safe-haven flows amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty,” the report remarked.
The gold rally in 2025 was supported by a lower opportunity cost associated with holding non-yielding gold, with its safe-haven allure remaining strong in anticipation of US rate cuts.
“We expect 1-2 more rate cuts in this cycle, as macroeconomic conditions remain uneven and weakness in the labor market continues,” the report predicted.
Concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence, a declining US dollar, and ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical risks further bolster safe-haven demand. Globally, central banks have been increasing their gold reserves, with gold’s proportion exceeding that of US Treasuries for the first time in nearly 30 years.
However, the preference of central banks for gold over silver may limit the latter's official demand support, and potential industrial usage substitutions also pose risks.
Currently, with silver trading at $58 per troy ounce, valuations appear stretched, according to the report. The supply of silver remains inelastic, as most mined silver is extracted as a by-product of lead, zinc, and copper mining.