As of early 2026, gold prices have seen a significant increase, with the yellow metal soaring past $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever. The surge in gold prices can be attributed to geopolitical uncertainty, a weakening dollar, and increased demand from large institutions looking to hedge against global instability.
The recent gold rally has raised questions about the potential for further price increases and where to buy gold. In this article, we explore the factors driving the surge in gold prices, potential price targets for the year, and review a couple of brokers that offer physical gold bullion.
Looking ahead, analysts from major banks are optimistic about the future of gold prices, with updated forecasts for the end of 2026. Institutional investors have been actively accumulating gold as a safe-haven asset, further driving up prices.
What’s going on with gold prices in 2026?
Gold prices have surged in 2026 due to geopolitical uncertainty, a weakening dollar, and increased institutional demand for the precious metal as a hedge. The shifting global landscape, including trade tensions and military interventions, has fueled a “sell America” sentiment among investors, leading to a decline in the value of the dollar.
Institutional investors, including central banks and hedge funds, have been buying gold to protect against economic and political risks. This has pushed the price of gold to new highs, surpassing $5,000 per ounce.
The recent volatility in gold prices can be attributed to news events such as the U.S. government shutdown and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite the fluctuations, gold remains a popular choice for investors seeking stability in uncertain times.
How high could gold go this year?
Gold prices have already surpassed $5,000 per ounce and are expected to continue their upward trend. Analysts from major banks have revised their forecasts for the end of 2026, with bullish estimates for the price of gold.
Institutional investors are driving the demand for gold, seeking to diversify their portfolios and protect against economic uncertainty. The potential for further price increases in gold remains high, making it an attractive investment option for those looking to hedge against market volatility.
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Highest gold price target per ounce, end of 2026 |
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Data is current as of Feb. 2, 2026, and is intended for informational purposes only, not for trading purposes.
Which brokers let you buy gold bullion?
Interested in purchasing physical gold bullion? Two leading brokers, Fidelity and Interactive Brokers, offer the ability to buy gold bars and coins through their platforms. These brokers provide a convenient way to invest in physical gold, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios with a tangible asset.
Fidelity
The gold bullion offering: Fidelity allows investors to purchase gold bars and coins in various sizes, with minimum order sizes and fees depending on the volume. With Fidelity, investors can buy and store physical gold through a third-party metal bullion company, providing a secure and convenient way to invest in the precious metal.
Other things to know about Fidelity: Fidelity has received recognition for its investing platforms, offering a wide selection of investments with low fees and excellent customer service. While Fidelity may have higher fees for broker-assisted trades, its user-friendly interface and strong reputation make it a top choice for investors.
For more information on Fidelity, read our detailed review to learn about its features, fees, and overall performance.
Interactive Brokers
The gold bullion offering: Interactive Brokers provides investors with the opportunity to buy gold bars and coins in various increments. With competitive commissions and storage fees, Interactive Brokers offers a cost-effective way to invest in physical gold.
Additionally, Interactive Brokers is known for its advanced trading tools and research options, making it a popular choice for experienced traders looking to access a wide range of investment opportunities.
To learn more about Interactive Brokers, check out our comprehensive review that covers its features, fees, and overall performance.
What about Costco or Walmart?
Surprisingly, large retailers like Walmart and Costco also offer gold bars and coins for sale on their websites. While not traditional brokers, these retailers provide a convenient way for individuals to purchase physical gold and have it delivered securely to their doorstep.
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Walmart offers a range of gold bars and coins for purchase, providing free shipping and discreet packaging for added security. While prices may be slightly higher than market rates, Walmart offers a convenient option for buying physical gold.
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Costco also provides 1-ounce gold bars for purchase on its website, with insured shipping for secure delivery. While prices may be higher than market rates, Costco offers a convenient option for individuals looking to invest in physical gold.
The pros and cons of gold bullion
Owning physical gold bullion offers investors a tangible asset that can serve as a hedge against economic instability and market volatility. In times of crisis, physical gold holds its value and can be easily exchanged for essential goods or services.
However, owning physical gold comes with additional costs and logistical challenges. Storing and securing gold can incur expenses that may impact overall returns. Additionally, selling physical gold requires finding a reputable buyer and potentially incurring additional transportation costs.
For investors looking to avoid the hassles of owning physical gold, alternative options like gold ETFs and gold stocks provide exposure to the precious metal without the need for physical storage and maintenance.
Gold ETFs: Gold ETFs offer a convenient way to invest in gold without the need for physical storage. These funds hold gold on behalf of investors, providing exposure to the price of gold through a simple investment vehicle.
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Today’s gold price is $5,012.50 per ounce. The best performing gold ETF by one-year return is OUNZ, which is up 75.36% in the past year, but the fund with the lowest expense ratio is IAUM. |
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