These five trends will dominate markets in 2026

Theme 2: Demand for gold and silver to support bullion

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We expect gold purchases by central banks and individual investors to continue in 2026. After a healthy consolidation phase, gold could continue its rise and potentially test the US$4500 ($6800) resistance level.

This move is likely to be triggered by the US Federal Reserve’s return to interest rate cuts in early 2026. We see gold as the most effective hedge against ongoing economic and geopolitical tail risks towards 2026; Structural factors such as sustainable central bank accumulation and resilient ETF demand create an extraordinarily constructive basis for gold.

We also expect silver to continue its strong momentum into next year, albeit at a more measured pace than the aggressive rally we saw in 2025. Rising demand from the energy transition and next-generation chip technologies is colliding with the supply gap, strengthening silver’s long-term investment appeal.

Its long-standing relationship with gold should also provide a supportive tailwind, especially as we expect gold to outperform over the next 12 months.

Theme 3: Bitcoin adoption will expand

While precious metals have been the main beneficiaries of volatile geopolitics, trade tensions and inflation concerns, 2025 has also been an evolutionary year as Bitcoin begins to stake its claim as a store of value.

This doesn’t mean Bitcoin has lost its speculative properties or is close to replacing gold, and recent shakeups suggest the cryptocurrency asset class remains volatile. But demand, including from institutions, is high enough to warrant a second look at Bitcoin’s goal of becoming “digital gold” by 2026.

Theme 4: Real assets that will provide resilience

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A related theme is that investors may seek assets that can maintain their intrinsic value in an environment of persistent financial risk and economic uncertainty.

While gold remains the key expression of this view, commodities are likely to play a key role more broadly in 2026; copper and uranium are likely to continue their strong gains into 2025. Lithium prices could continue their strong recovery, potentially taking ASX-listed lithium miners with them.

The growing electric vehicle sector explains some of the demand; The industry is entering a more positive and profitable phase. Healthier automakers are likely to reinvest in next-generation battery production; This provides stronger visibility for battery providers, lithium producers and the entire battery value chain.

As profitability moves to the top of the heap, the upstream ecosystem will benefit and create a more interesting opportunity in terms of batteries, materials and the broader theme of electrification.

Theme 5: Investing in growth companies backed by attractive valuations

Investing in growth equities backed by attractive valuations and earnings could be important to achieve outperformance of equities in 2026. GARP strategy or Growth at Reasonable Prices is one of the best performing equity factors over the last 20 years.

GARP investing captures companies that have strong, sustainable earnings growth but aren’t paying much for it. While the United States still leads in innovation and profitability, the story is expanding.

Europe is stabilizing as energy and investment programs gain traction, Japan continues to benefit from institutional reforms and an undervalued currency, and Asian companies demonstrate strength through supply chain diversification and increased domestic consumption.

Billy Leung is a senior investment strategist at ETF provider Global X.

• The advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about investments or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice, taking into account their personal circumstances, before making any financial decisions.

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