More consumers are buying or selling gold. What to know about the latest rush and swings in value

NEW YORK (AP) — The rush for gold climbed to new heights at the start of 2026, with prices hitting a fresh record earlier this week. And around the world, people have lined up to either sell pieces of the precious metal they already own or buy into the frenzy. Consumers are going to local merchants to cash in golden jewelry. Some are purchasing gold coins or bars for the first time. Others are also putting money into investments like exchange traded funds, trading on the metal's value in a similar way to ...