JPMorgan strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou projects a theoretical gold price of $8,000 to $8,500 if private investor allocations rise from 3% to 4.6%. Gold prices hit a record high near $5,600 per ounce on Jan. 29, 2026, following a 10% surge over just four trading sessions. The rally is driven by central bank demand, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a structural shift where gold replaces the bond portion of balanced portfolios.Gold prices could more than double from current record levels if private investors continue to pivot away from traditional fixed-income assets in favor of the precious metal, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. global market strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou. In a note released Thursday, the analyst suggested that an increase in private investor allocations from the current 3% to 4.6% of total portfolios would imply a theoretical price range of $8,000 to $8,500 per ounce.The projection follows a historic week for bullion, which surged past the $5,000 milestone on Monday and reached an intraday peak near $5,600 by Jan. 29. This rapid ascent has been fueled by a “perfect storm” of monetary support—with the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates at 3.50%–3.75%—and intensifying geopolitical uncertainty, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran. Panigirtzoglou noted that gold is increasingly being viewed as a viable substitute for the bond component of a 60/40 portfolio, as investors seek to hedge against currency debasement and sovereign debt risks.Despite the long-term bullish outlook, the report cautioned that short-term volatility may be imminent. Momentum traders and commodity trading advisers (CTAs) are currently heavily positioned in both gold and silver, raising the risk of mean reversion or profit-taking. However, compared to other alternative assets like bitcoin or silver, JPMorgan highlighted gold’s superior liquidity and market breadth as key factors attracting institutional interest.“This 4.6% allocation to gold would imply a theoretical price of $8,000-$8,500,” Panigirtzoglou wrote, explaining that the metal is regaining relevance as an all-weather store of value at a time when confidence in traditional paper hedges is weakening. While the road to such levels may be volatile, the structural trend of central bank buying—estimated at 755 tonnes for 2026—provides a firm floor for the market.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
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