Precious metals began trading in global markets at the start of 2026 with relative gains in spot transactions, with gold recovering from its lowest levels of the previous two weeks. This positive performance partially offsets the earlier slight declines and continues the unprecedented gains achieved by the sector during 2025, reflecting investors' continued appetite for safe-haven assets.
Gold's performance at the start of 2026
In trading, gold prices rose 0.8 percent to $4,346.69 an ounce , attempting to approach their all-time highs again. The precious metal had reached a record high of $4,549.71 on December 26. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose 0.5 percent to $4,360.60 an ounce.
This rise is particularly significant given gold’s annual performance, as it ended 2025 with a massive annual gain of 64 percent, the largest since 1979, bringing back memories of the era of great rises in commodity and metal markets, and confirming gold’s status as a key hedge against economic volatility.
Silver outperforms and platinum continues its upward trend
silver also saw significant gains, outperforming the precious metal. In spot trading, it rose 2.1 percent to $72.75 an ounce. Silver had ended last year with a remarkable 147 percent increase, reaching an all-time high of $83.62, reflecting growing industrial and investment demand.
Meanwhile, platinum rose 0.2 percent to $2,057.74 an ounce, capping a remarkable year of gains that saw it surge 127 percent and reach a record high of $2,478.50. Palladium also continued its upward trajectory, climbing 2.4 percent to $1,642.90 an ounce, ending last year with a 76 percent increase – its best performance in 15 years.
Economic indicators and market expectations
These collective increases in the precious metals basket indicate a shift of global capital towards tangible assets amidst economic changes. Investors typically turn to gold and silver during times of economic uncertainty or when high inflation rates are anticipated, as these metals are considered a store of value that preserves purchasing power.
Economic analysts believe that the continued momentum in 2026 may be driven by the desire of central banks and individual investors to diversify their investment portfolios, especially after the record figures achieved in 2025, making the metals sector one of the most attractive sectors in the current global economic landscape.
