Gold is set to surge to $4,900 per ounce by 2026, according to a new Goldman Sachs note that cites a surge in sovereign buying and a surprise uptick in Chinese purchases – roughly 75% higher than July’s reported figures. The bank’s outlook hinges on central banks hoarding the metal as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, while China’s hidden demand signals a broader appetite among the world’s biggest gold consumers.
For traders, the implication is a near‑term tilt toward safe‑haven assets: gold ETFs and futures may see fresh inflows, while risk‑on positions like crypto could feel the pressure as capital rotates. Consider trimming exposure to high‑beta tokens or reallocating a portion of your portfolio into XAU‑linked instruments, and keep an eye on sovereign policy cues that could accelerate the move. Monitoring gold‑related sentiment on social platforms and the performance of gold‑mining stocks can also provide early signals for a broader market shift.