Gold price breaks $5,000 for first time amid geopolitical tensions

2026-01-26 - 09:08

The spot price of gold shattered a historic psychological barrier on Monday, trading above $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever. The relentless rally is powered by a flight to safety among global investors, who are seeking refuge from escalating geopolitical friction and economic unpredictability. A historic milestone in a sustained bull market During Monday's trading session, spot gold rose approximately 2.2% to reach $5,090.80 per ounce, having touched an intraday record high of $5,111.11. The milestone caps an extraordinary period of gains, with the metal's value climbing about 84% over the past twelve months and 17% since the start of the year. The surge has been supported by a confluence of factors, including interest rate cuts by major central banks and persistent trade conflicts. Silver, another precious metal, also joined the rally, advancing 4.6% to $107.60 an ounce after reaching its own all-time high, marking a staggering 252% increase over the past year. Geopolitical triggers fueling the surge Market analysts and participants point to a series of specific geopolitical flashpoints as immediate catalysts for the latest price explosion. U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed and aggressive campaign to acquire Greenland from Denmark has created significant transatlantic tensions and uncertainty. Simultaneously, Trump's recent remarks on the situation in Iran and a dramatic tariff threat against a key ally have rattled markets. On Saturday, he warned on his Truth Social platform that the United States would impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Ottawa proceeds with a trade agreement with China, a move that threatens to destabilize North American economic relations. The enduring appeal of safe-haven assets The flight to gold underscores a deep-seated anxiety in financial markets about the stability of the global order. When geopolitical risks rise and traditional alliances are tested, investors historically turn to tangible assets perceived as stores of value. The current climate, characterized by unpredictable foreign policy moves and the potential for new trade wars, has created a perfect storm for precious metals. This dynamic is closely watched by financial centers worldwide, including Türkiye, where gold has cultural and economic significance, and markets are attuned to the interplay between global instability and asset prices.