✅ **World Bank Forecasts 42% Surge in Precious Metals for 2026** The **World Bank** has raised its 2026 outlook for precious metals, now expecting the sector to gain **42%** versus 2025 averages. The upgrade is driven by Middle East tensions, energy supply disruptions, slower global growth, and rising financial uncertainty. The basket includes **gold, silver, and platinum** (excluding palladium), all of which outperformed expectations in Q1: 🔹 **Gold:** above **$5,400/oz** 🔹 **Silver:** reached **$116/oz** 🔹 **Platinum:** climbed to **$2,770/oz** Among them, **silver is expected to lead gains**, followed by platinum, while gold remains a strong but less explosive performer due to its already elevated valuation. ### Key Drivers Behind the Bullish Outlook **1️⃣ Safe-Haven Demand** Escalating geopolitical tensions, especially around the **Strait of Hormuz**, have increased demand for defensive assets like gold. **2️⃣ Energy Inflation Shock** Brent crude nearly doubled from **$61 to $118** in Q1, while gas prices surged globally. Higher energy costs are feeding inflation, making precious metals more attractive as inflation hedges. **3️⃣ Policy & Market Uncertainty** Geopolitical instability + sticky inflation = weaker confidence in fiat assets and stronger demand for hard assets. **4️⃣ Stagflation Risk** Slower economic growth combined with persistent inflation creates a classic environment where precious metals tend to outperform. ### Price Outlook Analysts remain bullish: 📌 **Gold:** potentially above **$6,000/oz** 📌 **Silver:** around **$105/oz** Bottom line: The World Bank believes precious metals could outperform most major commodities in 2026 as macro uncertainty and inflation continue to dominate markets.