Gold price forecast for 2026: $4,746 average eyed after the $5,600 peak — and new margin hikes
Gold steadied in early trade on Friday after a week of whipsaw moves, as CME Group tightened requirements for traders in U.S. futures markets. The exchange raised initial and maintenance margins on COMEX 100-ounce gold futures to 9% from 8% for Non-HRP accounts, its third hike since a Jan. 13 methodology change, while spot gold was up 2.6% around $4,895 an ounce. Margins are deposits traders post to cover potential losses.
