Markets are set to explode this first trading day of the year. S&P 500 futures are up about 38 points. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF ( SPY) is up about $3.90 a share. The Dow Jones is up 186 points, as the Nasdaq races about 244 points higher. Fueling a good deal of momentum are AI-related stocks. Nvidia ( NASDAQ: NVDA) is up about $2.65 a share, with analysts at TD Cowen reiterating a buy rating on the tech giant.
It's Diwali season - a five-day period when Hindus around the world commemorate the triumph of light over darkness on the Indian subcontinent centuries ago. But the colorful Diwali celebrations held annually in Indian-American communities throughout the United States are more muted this year compared to the past. The reason? Prices on everything from saris to spices have skyrocketed since August 27.
Financial experts have found themselves split on their predictions. Goldman Sachs has taken a bullish approach, raising its estimated gold forecast from $4,300 to $4,900 per ounce for December 2026. "We see the risks to our upgraded gold price forecast as still skewed to the upside on net, because private sector diversification into the relatively small gold market may boost ETF holdings above our rates-implied estimate," Goldman stated during the Monday announcement, according to Reuters.
Gold is hitting record prices this week, reaching above $3,500 per ounce for the first time on Tuesday and then hitting another milestone on Wednesday: $3,593.20 per ounce. Goldman Sachs predicted this week in a research note that gold prices could increase above $4,000 per ounce by mid-2026. "Gold remains our highest-conviction long recommendation," Goldman Sachs stated in the note. In April, JPMorgan also predicted that gold prices would rise above $4,000 per ounce by the second quarter of next year.
Gold prices have been trading sideways for almost three months, with slight declines as risk appetite improved, suggesting potential changes in investor sentiment.
Gold prices fell as signs of de-escalation in the Ukraine conflict diminished safe-haven demand. Trump's upcoming meeting with Putin may further ease tensions.
The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board has warned that the recent 15% tariff agreement with Japan could carry long-term strategic costs in the form of rising prices and mounting pressure on consumer and business sentiment.
The lack of a breakthrough in the US-China trade dispute could lead to US restrictions on semiconductor exports, threatening billions in American corporate sales.
Gold prices fell as optimism grew for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, and the largest outflow from gold-backed ETFs since September 2022 pressured the market.
