This article was originally published at cbsnews.com
Precious metals can be a smart way to diversify your portfolio and protect yourself from losses in other asset classes. In some cases, they can also safeguard your wealth from inflation or deliver decent returns, too. For example, several metals saw a run-up in 2025 due to issues, like persistent inflation and economic uncertainty, with some even notching double-digit gains in just a few months.
But precious metal markets can change quickly, and that’s a trend we’re seeing almost daily now that we’ve kicked off the new year. So, what metals do experts say are poised to win now that we’ve entered into 2026? Here’s what to know.
What precious metal investments should you consider in 2026? Here’s what experts say
If you’re planning to invest in precious metals at some point this year, here are three options that experts say should be on your radar.
Gold
Gold prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, with the price of gold now sitting at its latest record-high of over $4,620 per ounce. That’s a drastic increase from this time last year, when the price of gold was sitting at just under $2,700 per ounce. While that high price per ounce may have some investors steering clear of the yellow metal, experts say it’s still a smart investment as we get further into 2026.
“Is this historic rally all speculation and likely to end with a bubble bursting? Perhaps it is,” says James Cordier, founder and head trader at OptionSpreaders.com. “Anything is possible, but I think there is fundamental usage for many of the metals, which tells us higher prices throughout 2026 is quite likely.”
With gold in particular, there are also central banks around the world to consider. For the last several years, central banks have been buying gold in droves, which is a good sign for the investors who are eyeing it.
“Over the past decade ending in 2024, central banks increased their gold holdings by roughly 21%, and from 2022 through 2024, central banks added over 1,000 tonnes of gold per year on average — a pace well above historical norms,” says Hiren Chandaria, managing director at Monetary Metals. “When central banks — the most conservative and long-term participants in the financial system — are buying gold at this scale, it’s a signal investors should pay close attention to.”
Gold also acts as a strong protection against inflation, currency debasement and the impacts of geopolitical events and turmoil, all of which can help investors in today’s market. It’s also uncorrelated with other asset classes, so it’s smart in times of market volatility.
“Its role in a portfolio is less about chasing returns and more about risk management and resilience,” Chandaria says.
Silver
Silver has had a similar run-up to gold over the last several months, with skyrocketing prices across the back half of 2025 and continuing into 2026. The metal’s price per ounce rose from just $36 last summer to over $80 by the end of the year, and that upward trajectory has now pushed it over the $88-per-ounce mark.
According to Nick Fulton, managing partner of USA Pawn Stores of Mississippi, if he had to invest in just one metal this year, it would be silver.
“The physical supply versus the paper supply doesn’t add up,” Fulton says. “Also, the demand for silver’s industrial use is neverending.”
Silver is also relatively easy to get into, too, especially compared to the much pricier gold option.
“In many markets, silver is often referred to as the ‘poor man’s gold’ — not as a slight, but because its lower price point makes it more accessible to a broader range of investors,” Chandaria says. “That accessibility can amplify demand during precious metals bull markets.”
Chandaria says silver also offers more potential upside than gold, calling it “the highest risk-reward metal.”
Read the full article at CBS NEWS: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/precious-metal-investments-experts-say-you-should-consider-2026/