Andrey Litvinov

In early 2026, as gold prices hover near historic highs and silver trades around 77–79 dollars per ounce, a quiet but powerful shift is unfolding across Asia. From factory towns in southern China to bullion shops in Singapore and even vending machines in Dushanbe, ordinary households are rethinking what security means. The rush into precious metals is no longer driven primarily by speculation or festive gifting. It is becoming something deeper: a family strategy for navigating economic uncertainty.

The final days of January 2026 delivered a shock that precious-metals investors had been bracing for, even if few expected the timing or the force. After a relentless rally that pushed gold to record highs above $5,600 per ounce and silver briefly beyond $120, both metals suffered their worst single-day sell-off since 1980.

The year 2025 will likely be remembered as a turning point in the modern history of gold. Both in physical terms and in market value, global demand reached levels never seen before, reflecting a deep shift in how investors, households, institutions, and governments perceive risk, money, and long-term security. Total gold demand, including over-the-counter transactions, exceeded 5,000 tonnes for the first time, while the gold price set 53 new all-time highs over the course of the year.