Gold forecasts for 2026 are getting more aggressive, and AI-driven projection models are calling for a move that would take the metal into price territory most investors have never had to model.

One long-term AI price forecast for gold shows the metal potentially topping $10,000 per ounce as early as April, with a projected high of $10,527 that month. The model then shows further upside into the second half of the year, with December highs approaching $19,733.

That outlook arrives as physical gold demand remains elevated across retail and institutional channels, pushing the precious metal up more than 100% in value over the last year. Even firms like Preserve Gold, which specializes in physical gold ownership for long-term investors and retirement accounts, have seen interest as investors look to gain direct exposure rather than trade paper contracts.

While the AI projections stand well above most traditional Wall Street forecasts, investors have piled into the metal amid geopolitical tension, a weakening dollar, and declining interest rates.

And the rally may not be over

"We continue to expect gold to rally in 2026, as the drivers of its strong run remain intact," Fidelity International portfolio manager Ian Samson told Bloomberg. 

Central banks, in particular, have emerged as a steady source of demand rather than a cyclical one, using gold as a reserve asset insulated from sanctions and currency risk, says Shaniel Ramjee at Pictet Asset Management.

"In this environment where we see the majority of the buying from big central banks, that keeps us more comfortable having a higher weight in the portfolio," Ramjee said to Bloomberg. "We think gold will be moving higher this year, but in a much more careful and steady pace."

Gold's role in portfolios is also evolving. According to Morgan Stanley chief investment officer Mike Wilson, Gold is "basically an anti-fiat currency play now more than anything else." 

The chief investment officer pointed to rising debt and declining confidence in major currencies. According to Goldman Sachs, U.S. investors don't own that much gold, making up just 0.17% of private financial portfolios, despite the recent rally.

For investors looking at gold as a long-term store of value rather than a short-term trade, Preserve Gold provides access to physical gold through secure delivery or IRS-approved retirement accounts.

Speak with a Preserve Gold specialist today.

Spot prices briefly touched an all-time high at $5,360.60 per ounce before consolidating after profit-taking. Wall Street remains bullish. Among major institutions, UBS sees gold ending the year at $5,400, Yardeni Research at $6,000, and Jefferies at $6,600. 

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