Gold, silver, and copper outlook for 2026, plus gas prices at 4-year-lows

Market Overview - Gold is experiencing a record rally, on track for its largest annual gain since 1979, driven by economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, with predictions of reaching $4,900 to $5,100 by the end of 2026 [1][2] - Gas prices have fallen to four-year lows, currently below $3, marking the lowest levels since 2021, attributed to increased oil production by OPEC and resilient US oil production [1][5] - The S&P 500 is attempting to maintain momentum, with a potential record close above 6,932, which would mark the 40th record high this year [1] Gold and Precious Metals - Analysts suggest that while gold has outperformed the S&P 500, a substantial pullback is expected, and new positions in gold may not be advisable at this time [1][2] - Gold miners and ETFs have seen significant returns, with the VANC gold miners ETF up over 160% [2] - Silver has also seen a 150% return this year, benefiting from both its precious metal status and industrial demand, particularly in electrification and AI [2] Oil and Gas Sector - Crude oil was on track for its biggest weekly gain in three months but is now facing downward pressure due to geopolitical tensions [1] - The geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Middle East and Venezuela, poses risks to oil supply and prices moving into 2026 [5] - US oil production remains resilient, up about 3-4% from last year, contributing to lower gasoline prices [5] IPO Market Outlook - 2026 is anticipated to be a significant year for the IPO market, with a backlog of solid private companies ready to go public, including potential mega IPOs from companies like SpaceX and OpenAI [3][4] - Stability in equity markets and successful IPO performances will be crucial for encouraging new issuances [3][4] - The VIX index is currently low, indicating a favorable environment for IPOs [3] Consumer Internet Sector - Top picks for 2026 include Amazon, Meta, Mardo, Libre, and DoorDash, driven by investment cycles and expected growth in their respective sectors [6][7] - The autonomous driving sector is expected to see significant advancements, particularly with companies like Whimo and Tesla expanding into new markets [11][12] - The AI trend remains strong, with companies focusing on infrastructure and use cases that could yield quantifiable returns [14] Financial Resolutions and Investor Strategies - Investors are encouraged to maintain discipline in their portfolios amidst ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility [26][27] - A focus on income stability over chasing returns is recommended for retirees transitioning into the income phase [29][30] - Tax planning is highlighted as a critical component for investors, especially with new legislation impacting tax returns [36][37]