Articles / global-fx-macro / Gold back to $5,400? Here’s why Goldman Sachs still sees bullish potential ahead
Gold back to $5,400? Here’s why Goldman Sachs still sees bullish potential ahead
May 18, 2026 · Source: fxstreet.com · Topic:
global-fx-macro · commodities-energy · venture-startup-funding
Central Bank Purchases
60 tonnes/month
Expected average monthly gold purchases by central banks this year, up from 50 tonnes.
Gold Purchases in Q1
244 tonnes
Total gold bought by global central banks in Q1, a 3% increase year-over-year.
2022 Gold Reserves Addition
1,136 tonnes
Total gold added to central bank reserves in 2022, the highest yearly purchase since records began.
⦿ Executive Snapshot
- What: Goldman Sachs maintains a bullish target for Gold at $5,400 by year-end despite short-term weaknesses due to rising global yields.
- Who: Analysts Lina Thomas and Daan Struyven from Goldman Sachs, central banks, and the World Gold Council (WGC).
- Why it matters: Central bank purchases are expected to increase, supporting Gold prices amid geopolitical risks and inflation, highlighting Gold's role as a safe-haven asset.
⦿ Key Developments
- Central bank buying is expected to average 60 tonnes a month this year, up from a 12-month moving average of 50 tonnes.
- Gold reached an all-time high of around $5,600 per troy ounce at the end of January.
- In Q1, global central banks bought 244 tonnes of Gold, a 3% increase year-over-year, despite some selling activity.
- The People’s Bank of China purchased 8 tonnes of Gold in April, the highest level since December 2024.
- Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, the highest yearly purchase since records began.
⦿ Strategic Context
- Gold has historically been a store of value and is widely perceived as a safe-haven asset during economic turbulence, making it a key focus for central banks.
- The current macroeconomic environment, characterized by rising inflation and geopolitical risks, has renewed interest in diversifying reserves with Gold.
⦿ Strategic Implications
- Immediate market implications include potential upward pressure on Gold prices driven by increased central bank demand and geopolitical uncertainties.
- Long-term implications suggest that sustained high Gold prices may lead to greater institutional adoption and diversification strategies among central banks.
⦿ Risks & Constraints
- Regulatory risks could arise from changes in central bank policies regarding reserve management and Gold purchases.
- Competition from alternative safe-haven assets, such as the US Dollar and US Treasuries, may hinder Gold price appreciation.
⦿ Watchlist / Forward Signals
- Monitoring central bank purchase announcements and geopolitical developments will provide insights into Gold's future price movements.
- Key indicators will include inflation data and interest rate changes, as they directly impact investor sentiment towards Gold.
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