Gold price prediction in 2026: Gold rate to fall in next few months? Latest projections by ANZ, Standard Chartered

Gold price climbed today to hit a record. Spot gold ‌rose 1 per cent ‌to $4,632.03 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $4,639.42 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures ‌for February delivery rose 0.9 per cent to $4,639.50 as softer-than-expected U.S. inflation readings cemented bets for interest rate cuts amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, ANZ expects gold rate to hit above $5,000/oz this year. Gold is set to remain firmly in the spotlight in 2026, according to Standard Chartered's latest global outlook.

Gold Rate Prediction for 2026

Investors expect two 25-basis-point rate cuts this year, with ‍the earliest ⁠in June. Low-interest-rate environment and ⁠geopolitical or economic uncertainty traditionally favour non-yielding assets like gold. ANZ expects gold to trade above $5,000/oz in the first half of 2026, the bank said in a note on Wednesday.


Gold is set to remain firmly in the spotlight in 2026 as investors brace for a year of strong risk-asset performance accompanied by rising uncertainty, according to Standard Chartered's latest global outlook.

The report notes, "We remain Overweight on gold, with 3- and 12-month price targets at USD 4,350/oz and USD 4,800/oz, respectively. Ongoing Emerging Market (EM) central bank demand and supportive macro conditions should sustain gold's rally."

It expects gold to extend its multi-year rally, supported by sustained central bank buying, a weaker US dollar and the re-emergence of gold's inverse relationship with real bond yields.

These factors, combined with elevated geopolitical and macroeconomic risks, are reinforcing gold's role as a key portfolio diversifier, it said.

While gold prices are already at record highs in inflation-adjusted terms, the bank notes that the metal remains relatively inexpensive when compared with global equities, particularly the US S&P 500. The outlook comes as markets debate whether soaring equity valuations driven largely by AI enthusiasm are approaching bubble territory.

While Standard Chartered does not see conditions yet resembling past financial crises, it warns that higher dispersion across asset classes makes diversification essential. In this environment, gold is expected to act as a stabilising force should optimism around growth assets falter.