Gold and Silver Prices Skyrocket to Unprecedented Levels
Continuing their impressive rally from Thursday evening, gold and silver rates opened with significant upward momentum during the early morning trading session on Friday. Both precious metals achieved fresh record highs, capturing the attention of investors worldwide. In the international market, the gold rate today opened on a strong note and surged to a new peak of $4,969.69 per ounce. Similarly, silver rates today opened with a noticeable upside gap and climbed to an intraday high of $98.980 per ounce, registering an impressive intraday gain of approximately 2.50%.
Global Brokerage Targets for Gold Prices in 2026
As gold and silver prices continue their remarkable ascent, many marginal investors might feel anxious about missing out on potential opportunities. However, financial experts maintain a bullish outlook on these assets. Several prominent global brokerages have set ambitious price targets for gold, with some predictions already being met within the first few weeks of the year. According to recent forecasts:
- Jefferies anticipates gold prices reaching $6,600 per ounce
- Yardeni Group projects a target of $6,000 per ounce
- UBS forecasts gold at $5,400 per ounce
- JP Morgan and Charles Schwab both predict $5,050 per ounce
- BofA and ANZ expect gold to hit $5,000 per ounce
These projections highlight the strong confidence among financial institutions regarding the continued upward trajectory of gold prices.
Robert Kiyosaki's Silver Price Prediction
Renowned author of the bestselling book 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', Robert Kiyosaki, has shared his optimistic view on silver prices. He suggests that silver could potentially touch $200 per ounce by 2026. Kiyosaki advises investors to consider bottom-fishing opportunities during significant price dips in this precious white metal, emphasizing the long-term potential of silver investments.
Gold and Silver ETFs: A Viable Alternative for Retail Investors
With physical gold and silver prices reaching such elevated levels, many retail and marginal investors might find their budgets constrained when considering direct investments. For these investors, gold and silver Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) present an attractive alternative. ETFs offer several advantages, including:
- High liquidity for easy buying and selling
- No depreciation concerns
- Absence of making charges at the time of sale
- Accessibility for investors with limited capital
SEBI-registered investment expert Jitendra Solanki explains, "For investors planning to invest in gold and silver, ETFs can be an excellent option compared to physical holdings. ETFs enable even small investors to begin with modest amounts, making gold and silver investments accessible through the ETF route, which might otherwise be challenging in the retail physical market."
However, Pankaj Mathpal, MD & CEO at Optima Money Managers, cautions investors about the current market conditions. He states, "Amid skyrocketing gold and silver prices, with rates hovering around record highs, investing in gold and silver ETFs carries significant risk due to their already high premiums."
Gold and Silver ETFs Versus Mutual Funds
Pankaj Mathpal further advises investors to consider their risk tolerance when choosing between ETFs and mutual funds. He recommends gold and silver mutual funds for investors with lower risk appetites. These mutual funds typically invest in gold and silver ETFs, providing a more diversified approach. By investing through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), investors can minimize risk while maintaining exposure to precious metals.
Mathpal clarifies, "Higher-risk investors might consider gold and silver ETFs as an alternative to physical metals, but those with lower risk tolerance should opt for gold and silver mutual funds through SIPs."
Recommended Gold and Silver ETFs to Consider
For investors interested in gold ETFs, Pankaj Mathpal suggests the following options:
- Nippon India ETF Gold BeES
- ICICI Prudential Gold ETF
- HDFC Gold ETF
Regarding silver ETFs, he recommends these three funds:
- ABSL Silver ETF
- ICICI Silver ETF
- Kotak Silver ETF
Suggested Gold and Silver Mutual Funds
For those preferring mutual funds, Mathpal advises considering these gold and silver mutual fund options:
- ICICI Prudential Regular Gold Savings Fund (FOF)
- HDFC Gold ETF FoF
- ICICI Prudential Silver ETF FOF
- Nippon India Silver ETF FOF
- Motilal Oswal Gold and Silver Passive FoF
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations expressed are those of individual analysts or broking companies and do not represent Mint. Investors are strongly advised to consult with certified financial experts before making any investment decisions.
