LBMA Delegates Predict Gold Prices Could Soar to Nearly $5,000 per Ounce Within a Year

Gold  |  2025-10-29 13:07:55   |   By

The rising geopolitical tensions across the globe and uncertainties over U.S. tariffs are among the key factors that may drive gold prices in future, they pointed out.

Summary
  • LBMA delegates predict gold prices could reach $4,980 per ounce within a year, up nearly 27% from current levels.
  • Gold is on pace for its biggest annual rise since 1979, driven by geopolitical tensions and U.S. trade uncertainties.
  • Silver, platinum, and palladium have also surged this year, with further gains expected in 2026.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): At the annual London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) conference, delegates projected that gold prices could climb close to $5,000 per ounce within the next year. The forecast pegs the yellow metal at around $4,980 per ounce, marking a substantial 27% increase from current levels.

Experts at the event noted that gold is on course to post its strongest annual performance since 1979, having already surged 52% year-to-date. Prices have broken key psychological barriers, surpassing $3,000 per ounce in March and $4,000 per ounce in October 2025. According to delegates, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, coupled with economic uncertainty and U.S. tariff policies, are likely to continue fueling demand for the safe-haven asset.

The LBMA’s outlook aligns closely with a recent Reuters poll, which estimated the average gold price for 2026 at $4,275 per ounce.

Meanwhile, other precious metals have also witnessed sharp gains this year. Silver has advanced 62%, while platinum and palladium have risen by 76% and 54%, respectively. The LBMA expects these metals to reach $1,816 per ounce for platinum and $1,709 per ounce for palladium in the coming year.

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:

LBMA Collaborated with aXedras to Launch Gold Bar Integrity Database

LBMA Chief: Gold to Remain in Focus for Several More Years


How should investors approach gold allocation?

Financial experts suggest gold should constitute 5-15% of diversified portfolios depending on risk tolerance. Research shows a 60/20/20 equity/bond/gold portfolio has outperformed traditional 60/40 allocations since 2020. Investors should consider dollar-cost averaging strategies rather than attempting to time entry points precisely, given gold's historical volatility within longer-term bull trends.

What represents the main risk to the bullish gold outlook?

Potential headwinds include: unexpected resolution of major geopolitical conflicts reducing safe-haven demand; aggressive Federal Reserve tightening driving real rates substantially higher; stronger-than-expected U.S. dollar appreciation; breakthrough diplomatic agreements reducing trade tensions; or reversal of central bank accumulation strategies. However, the structural debt burden makes long-term gold support likely regardless of near-term tactical shifts.