LBMA Survey Forecasts Gold Price Average Near $4,500 per Ounce by Year-End

According to a fresh LBMA survey of 16 analysts, spot gold will trade around the $4,500 per ounce mark by the end of 2026. Despite dipping below $4,000 in July, the average year-end forecast exceeded current levels by more than 12%, ranging from a high of $5,100 to a low of $3,879. The updated full-year average price expectation stands at $4,604. Primary drivers remain geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, US inflation, Fed policy under Kevin Warsh, and ongoing central bank buying. Julia Du of ICBC Standard Bank sees a peak at $7,150 and an average of $6,050, while Robin Bhar expects around $4,000 on average. Alexander Zumpfe projects support at $3,450 and a high of $5,200.