$XAU Trying to catch the exact “low” in gold, especially on a big macro like $3,500, is where most people end up either chasing or missing completely.
The main issue with your plan is the assumption that 2026 has to be bearish for gold. That kind of yearly prediction usually breaks down once liquidity, inflation expectations, and central bank demand shift. Gold doesn’t move in clean calendar cycles—it reacts more to real rates, USD strength, and risk sentiment.