Goldman Sachs(US:GS) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-07 03:36Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs has significantly raised its gold price forecast for the end of 2026 to $4,900 per ounce, an increase of $600 or nearly 14% from the previous estimate of $4,300, driven by a 17% rise in gold prices since August 26 due to persistent capital inflows, primarily from Western ETFs and central bank purchases [1][2]. Group 1: Price Forecast and Drivers - The forecast indicates a potential 23% increase in gold prices over the next two years, with central bank purchases contributing 19 percentage points and ETF holdings driven by Federal Reserve rate cuts contributing 5 percentage points [2]. - The key drivers of the recent gold price surge are identified as persistent capital inflows from Western ETFs and central bank purchases, contrasting with stable speculative positions [2]. - Goldman Sachs maintains its price increase forecast despite a higher starting point, expecting central bank purchases to average 80 tons in 2025 and 70 tons in 2026, contributing significantly to the price increase [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Risks - The structural growth in central bank purchases is attributed to the diversification trend following the freezing of Russian reserves in 2022, with expectations that this trend will continue for three years [3]. - The adjustment in forecasts reflects a structural change in the gold market driven by central banks and institutional investors, providing clear allocation signals for long-term investors [3]. - The risks associated with the upgraded gold price forecast are skewed to the upside, as private sector diversification into the relatively small gold market may lead to ETF holdings exceeding implied valuations based on interest rates [2].