Macquarie Group predicts gold will reach $3500

Gold prices fell on Friday and were poised for their worst weekly performance in more than a month after the Federal Reserve tempered expectations for rate cuts and on a temporary easing of concerns about an imminent U.S. attack on Iran.

Spot gold slipped 0.7% to $3,347.80 an ounce, as of 1201 GMT, and was down 2.5% for the week so far. U.S. gold futures shed 1.3% to $3,364.00.

“Gold, silver, and platinum all suffered setbacks as traders booked profits after Wednesday’s FOMC meeting,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

“Gold is likely to extend its current consolidation phase with support around $3,320 followed by $3,245.”

Source – Reuters

Spot gold hit a record $3,004.86 per ounce on Friday, marking its thirteenth all-time high in 2025. Prices have already climbed 14% this year, after surging 27% in 2024.

“With continued central bank buying, there are multiple factors driving demand. In a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing tariff changes, appetite for gold remains strong,” said Standard Chartered analyst Suki Cooper.

“The inflation data is helping to give the market confidence that the easing cycle will continue, given concerns around inflation and growth,” said Standard Chartered analyst Suki Cooper.

Source – Reuters

Analysts led by Lina Thomas moved their gold forecast for the end of 2025 to $3,300 an ounce, from $3,100.

Gold futures rose 1.3% to $3,060.70 an ounce, buoyed by uncertainty over new auto tariffs announced by the White House on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, Bank of America lifted its gold-price forecast to $3,500 from $3,000. As with Goldman, their analysts cited central bank and ETF demand, but also pointed out that China’s insurance industry is getting a regulatory push to buy more.

Source – Market Watch