Market analysts point to sustained safe-haven demand as the primary force behind the surge. Rising geopolitical tensions involving the United States, NATO and key global regions have increased investor anxiety, pushing capital toward assets perceived as stores of value.
Uncertainty around trade tariffs and fiscal policies under former US President Donald Trump has also added to volatility. These concerns have weakened confidence in traditional assets and currencies, boosting the appeal of gold and silver.
Another major factor is the sharp decline in the US dollar. The dollar index recently slipped to a four-month low, making dollar-denominated commodities cheaper for global investors and further supporting prices.
Central Banks and ETFs Fuel Momentum
Central bank purchases remain a critical pillar of support. Several emerging market central banks have continued to diversify reserves into gold, extending a buying trend that dominated 2025. China has reportedly added gold to its reserves for fourteen consecutive months, while other countries have also increased allocations.
Exchange-traded funds have played a significant role as well. According to global market data, gold-backed ETFs saw record inflows in 2025, reflecting growing institutional and retail participation. In contrast, silver ETFs have witnessed intermittent outflows in early 2026, suggesting a gradual shift toward relatively lower-volatility gold exposure.
How Have Prices Performed So Far?
Gold prices surged nearly 64% during 2025 and have already gained over 16% in the first few weeks of 2026. Silver’s rally has been even more dramatic, building on a staggering 147% rise last year as tight physical supply and industrial demand amplified momentum.
Other precious metals have also benefited. Platinum and palladium touched multi-year and record highs during the session, supported by supply constraints and broad-based investor interest across the metals complex.
Indian Market Snapshot: MCX Gold and Silver
In the domestic market, MCX gold and silver prices remained volatile last week. MCX gold ended marginally lower at ₹1,55,963 per 10 grams, while MCX silver jumped sharply to ₹3,34,600 per kg.
Trading on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India remained closed on Monday due to the Republic Day 2026 holiday. Commodity futures trading is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, January 27, allowing Indian investors to react to global price movements.
Expert Views and Outlook
Market strategists remain broadly bullish on gold, citing its role as balance-sheet protection rather than a pure return-generating asset. Analysts at several brokerage houses believe gold offers lower volatility and better risk-adjusted stability compared to silver, which tends to experience sharper swings.
Global investment banks have raised their price targets, with forecasts suggesting gold could test the $5,400–$5,500 range later in 2026 if geopolitical risks persist. Silver is expected to remain volatile, supported by industrial demand linked to energy transition and green technologies.
What Investors Should Keep in Mind
While the long-term outlook remains constructive, experts caution against chasing prices at extreme highs. Periodic pullbacks are likely as markets digest gains, but these are expected to remain shallow if underlying risks persist.
For investors, gold continues to be viewed as a core defensive asset, while silver offers higher upside potential at the cost of greater volatility. Portfolio allocation decisions, analysts say, should focus on risk management rather than short-term returns.