Will the gold rate continue to rise? Here are 4 trends highlighted by experts for 2026 and beyond

While no one can predict the future price of gold or any other assets, several experts have recently outlined the broader trajectory gold is expected to follow in 2026 and beyond. Here's a look at four such trends

Consolidation in the near term, bullish in the long-term

According to experts at Tata Mutual Fund, gold prices are expected to consolidate in the near term, but their outlook remains bullish for the medium to long term.

"We expect gold prices to consolidate in the near term, amid mixed macro signals—“higher for longer” US rates, a stronger dollar, and elevated bond yields. Short term volatility of around ±5% is likely. Geopolitical developments, particularly around the US–Iran conflict, could keep prices volatile with on off ceasefire headlines," Tata Mutual Fund said recently.

Short-term volatility

Short-term volatility of around ±5% in gold rate is expected by experts. However, in case there is any meaningful correction, it should be seen as an opportunity to accumulate gold.

"Medium to long term, the outlook remains bullish, supported by favorable structural and cyclical fundamentals. Any meaningful correction should be viewed as an accumulation opportunity," Tata Mutual Fund said.

Central bank buying to continue

Gold buying by Central banks has almost doubled in the last 10 years. This is expected to continue.

Gold buying by central banks in recent years has been one of the factors driving the yellow metal's prices. According to Goldman Sachs as well as the World Gold Council, central banks are expected to step up gold buying, which may help the prices to recover by the year's end.

In a note dated May 15, Goldman Sachs analysts said central bank purchases are expected to pick up to average 60 tonnes a month over 2026. The analysts also said that central banks have a "strong underlying interest in gold". They expect the recent geopolitical developments to reinforce diversification for central banks.

The World Gold Council recently said, "Central bank buying is expected to be solid at levels close to those in 2025. Demand shows good traction despite price volatility and continued geoeconomic risks could provide additional upside. However, periodic mobilisation of gold reserves on further supply shocks cannot be discounted."

Gold's appeal as a safe haven asset to rise

Since the start of the Iran war, the belief in gold as a safe-haven asset took a hit, as prices fell. However, it could bounce soon, according to experts, especially in light of rising fiscal concerns amid growing inflation.

Rising fuel prices since the start of the war have led to higher inflation and sparked fiscal concerns. Some experts believe that these rising concerns could drive investors towards gold as a hedge against uncertainties, in case the Iran war continues to drag on. on.

Tata Mutual Fund said rising geopolitical tensions reinforce gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. It further said, "Elevated sovereign and corporate debt burdens sustain demand for hard assets as a hedge."