Gold price forecast for 2026: $4,746 average eyed after the $5,600 peak — and new margin hikes
CME Group raised margins on COMEX gold futures to 9% from 8% for Non-HRP accounts, its third hike since January 13. Spot gold rose 2.6% to $4,893.59 an ounce by early Friday, after sharp swings that saw prices hit nearly $5,600 last week and $4,403 on Monday. Indian dealers cut premiums to $70 an ounce as buyers paused. Gold’s one-week realised volatility topped 90%.