Gold at Rs 1.4 lakh and silver at 2.62 lakh: Sell, hold or buy – what should investors do now?

Gold and silver prices continued scaling new highs on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) with their rates on Multi Commodity Exchange of India reaching Rs 1,39,799/10g for gold and Rs 2,62,087/kg for silver.

As a result, gold rate’s year-to-date return has jumped to 5.16% in just 14 days , while its one-year return (as on January 14, 2026), is 79.30%.

Silver has outperformed gold in the same timeframe (14 days) with a year-to-date return of 15.02%. Over the past one year, it has delivered a whopping 192.1% return.


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Historical gold prices (MCX)

On Jan 14, 2026	₹ 1,39,799
On Jan 1, 2026	₹ 1,32,941
On Jan 14, 2025	₹ 77,971
On Jan 13, 2023	₹ 56,150
On Jan 14, 2021	₹ 49,285
On Jan 14, 2016	₹ 25,576

Gold return in 10 years

	CAGR	Absolute return
Year to date	5.16%	5.16%
In 1 year	79.30%	79.30%
In 3 years	35.53%	148.97%
In 5 years	23.19%	183.65%
In 10 years	18.51%	446.60%

Historical silver prices (MCX)

On Jan 14, 2026	₹ 2,62,087
On Jan 1, 2026	₹ 2,27,866
On Jan 14, 2025	₹ 89,724
On Jan 13, 2023	₹ 67,115
On Jan 14, 2021	₹ 65,174
On Jan 14, 2016	₹ 33,100

Silver return in 10 years

	CAGR	Absolute return
Year to date	15.02%	15.02%
In 1 year	192.10%	192.10%
In 3 years	57.47%	290.50%
In 5 years	32.09%	302.13%
In 10 years	22.99%	691.80%

The continued run of gold and silver prices is primarily because of geopolitical tensions and US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% trade tariffs on country’s trading with Iran.

With gold and silver prices at such high levels, is it too risky for a new investor to invest in precious metals? Also, should existing yellow and white metal investors book profit and exit or should they wait for the prices to rise more? Let’s find out-

Why are gold and silver prices rising now?

Maneesh Sharma, AVP Commodities and Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers, says gold and silver’s high prices are due to geopolitical tensions remaining high over the past week amid US moves in Venezuela, a threat of military action in response to the unrest in Iran, a China-Japan spat, and the White House’s insistence on acquiring Greenland.

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Prithviraj Kothari, managing director at RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd., President of India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. and Chairman at Jain International Trade Organisation, says the rally is driven by rising concerns over the independence of the US Federal Reserve, escalating geopolitical tensions, and renewed trade-related uncertainty.

“Market sentiment was rattled after the US federal prosecutors reportedly threatened action against Fed Chair Jerome Powell over comments made to Congress regarding a building renovation project. Geopolitical risks continue to mount, with the U.S. stepping up its involvement in Venezuela, and Trump’s warning of possible military action amid unrest in Iran,” cites Kothari as some of the reasons for gold and silver price rises.

What lies ahead for gold and silver prices in 2026?

Motilal Oswal Financial Services in its report ‘Commodities Review 2025 & Preview 2026’ says that 2026 is likely to be a year of transition rather than disruption.

The MOSFL report says that gold and silver are expected to retain their strategic relevance in early 2026, supported by continued central bank and investor demand, limited mine supply growth, and relatively inelastic scrap flows.

“Physical market tightness is therefore expected to persist, reinforcing precious metals as long-term portfolio anchors. Base metals may see phases of consolidation, offering selective medium-term opportunities,” says the report.

What should the existing and new investors do amid precious metals’ record prices?

Sharma says with geopolitical tensions showing no signs of abetment in the near term, gold and silver prices are expected to stay elevated in the near future.

“While considering gold and silver as a long-term investment option, one should consider investing in a staggered manner or considering SIP investments on a monthly basis. Existing investors may consider booking profit to an extent of 40 – 50% at current levels as further upside extension in prices cannot be ruled out,” says Sharma.