2026 Gold Price Forecast Based on this research, I predict that gold prices will trend upward in 2026, averaging between $5,000 and $5,500 per ounce throughout the year, climbing to $5,800 to $6,300 per ounce in December. This forecast incorporates the median of the consensus market expectation (approximately $4,750 per ounce) and references upward revisions from JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, while highlighting structural factors such as central bank gold purchases (which 80% of forecasts consider a key factor). • Q1-Q2 2026: Gold prices will consolidate around $5,000 to $5,200 per ounce to digest the volatility at the beginning of the year (e.g., the recent 9.8% daily drop) and benefit from continued inflows into ETFs and physical gold. • Q3-Q4 2026: If geopolitical risks persist or the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates further, gold prices will accelerate to above $5,800 per ounce; in a "slight decline," prices could even break through $6,000 per ounce. A severe economic recession could drive gold prices up by 20% to 30%, but rising inflation would limit the upside to around 5%. This forecast is based on stable uncertainty; significant easing of tensions (e.g., conflict resolution) could lead to a stabilization or range-bound trading in gold prices. Investors should allocate 3% to 5% of their portfolios to gold for diversification and closely monitor Federal Reserve policies and central bank reports. For real-time updates, please refer to gold price data released by organizations such as the World Gold Council (WGC) or the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). - Not investment advice, DYOR