Gold prices may rise 15-30% in 2026: WGC

Further gains likely as flight-to-safety sentiment looms large

- PUNEET WADHWA

Gold prices can rise between 15 to 30 per cent in calendar year 2026 (CY26) from the current levels, suggests a note by World Gold Council (WGC).

So far in CY25, gold prices have surged around 53 per cent as investors rushed to the safety of the yellow metal in the backdrop of US tariffs and geopolitical concerns.

Central bank purchases of gold and their moves on interest rates also shaped gold’s price trajectory in CY2s.

“The combination of falling yields, elevated geopolitical stress and a pronounced flight-to-safety would create exceptionally strong tailwinds for gold, supporting a sharp move higher. Under this scenario, gold could surge 15 per cent — 30 per cent in 2026 from current levels,” the WGC report said.

Investment demand, particularly via gold exchange traded funds (ETFs), WGC said, would remain a key driver, offsetting weakness in other areas of the market, such as jewellery or technology.