Gold extended its sparkling new year run yesterday to reach more than $5,300 per ounce – a fresh record that prompted speculation that it will hit $6,000 this year. The rally, prompted by a flight to safety amid waning appetite for the US dollar, meant it has gained nearly $1,000, or 23 per cent, in 2026. If it hits $6,000 it will have doubled in value since hitting $3,000 less than a year ago in March 2025. It is up 62 per cent this year after a 147 per cent rally in 2025. Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: ‘So long as international investors keep dumping the dollar, the future for gold looks bright indeed.’