Core Viewpoint - The rules of the gold market have changed, with private sector investors entering the market to hedge against global policy risks, leading to a significant upward revision of gold price targets by Goldman Sachs from $4,900 to $5,400 per ounce for the year [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The competition for physical gold is intensifying as central banks and private capital vie for limited supplies, accelerating the upward trend in gold prices [2] - In 2023 and 2024, gold prices are expected to rise by 15% and 26% respectively, primarily driven by panic buying from central banks following the freezing of Russian reserves [2] - By 2025, gold prices are projected to surge by 67%, as central banks are no longer the sole major buyers, leading to increased competition with private investors [2] Group 2: Investment Behavior - Analysts note a significant increase in physical gold purchases by high-net-worth families and a surge in bullish options buying, contributing to the upward pressure on gold prices [4] - The gap between actual gold prices and Goldman Sachs' traditional model predictions has widened since 2025, indicating a shift in buying behavior [4] - The demand for new hedging tools against global macro policy risks has surged, reflecting a change in investor sentiment [4] Group 3: Price Projections - Goldman Sachs forecasts a 17% increase in gold prices by the end of 2026, with emerging market central banks' diversification contributing 14 percentage points to this growth [5] - The average monthly gold purchases by central banks are expected to remain high at 60 tons, significantly above the pre-2022 average of 17 tons [5] - A return of funds to Western ETFs, driven by anticipated Fed rate cuts, is expected to contribute an additional 3 percentage points to gold price increases [5] Group 4: Signals for Reversal - Despite the upward price target revision, the risk distribution for gold prices remains skewed towards the upside, with potential for increased private sector allocation [7] - Two key signals for a potential reversal in gold prices include a decline in central bank gold purchases to pre-2022 levels and a shift in Fed policy from rate cuts to rate hikes [7] - The lack of elasticity in gold supply means that high prices alone cannot resolve supply issues, and demand collapse would be necessary for a price reversal [7]