Gold Smashes Records in 2025 — UBS Warns of a Historic Surge Ahead

Gold smashes records in 2025, rising 28% year-to-date and outpacing stocks, bonds, and Bitcoin. UBS forecasts $3,700 by mid-2026 amid surging central bank and ETF demand.

Gold smashes records in 2025, marking one of the most remarkable rallies in recent financial history. The precious metal has outperformed nearly every other asset class, leaving investors questioning whether this is just the beginning of a historic bull run.

So far this year, gold prices have surged 28% year-to-date, outpacing traditional investments such as stocks and bonds while even leaving Bitcoin struggling to keep up. The shift underscores how market sentiment is gravitating toward stability and resilience in an uncertain economic landscape.

UBS Raises Its Outlook for Gold

UBS Global Wealth Management has turned increasingly bullish, revising its forecast significantly higher. The investment bank now expects gold to hit $3,600 by March 2026 and further climb to $3,700 by mid-2026.

According to UBS analysts, several factors are converging to fuel this rally. Notably, central banks around the world are continuing to buy gold at record levels. Additionally, inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have reached new highs, indicating strong appetite from institutional and retail investors alike.

“Gold smashes records when demand is reinforced on multiple fronts — central banks, ETFs, and individual investors. That combination is what we’re witnessing right now,” UBS said in its latest note to clients.

Why Investors Are Turning to Gold

The surge is not happening in isolation. Global investors are increasingly uneasy about lingering inflation, slowing economic growth, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. With equities experiencing uneven performance and bonds delivering lackluster yields, gold has re-emerged as a safe-haven asset.

At the same time, Bitcoin — once seen as “digital gold” — has not managed to keep pace. While crypto markets continue to attract interest, their volatility has reminded investors why gold remains a time-tested hedge during uncertain times.

The fact that gold smashes records even as alternative assets struggle reinforces its reputation as a stabilizing force in volatile financial markets.

Central Banks Push Demand Higher

Central banks are playing a pivotal role in the rally. Data shows that global central banks have been purchasing gold at one of the fastest paces in decades. Their strategy is twofold: diversifying reserves away from the U.S. dollar and insulating themselves from currency risk.

This steady institutional demand provides a strong foundation for prices. Even when retail demand fluctuates, central banks continue to act as long-term buyers. Analysts believe this dynamic could keep gold elevated well into 2026.

ETFs Signal Strong Retail Interest

Alongside central banks, gold-backed ETFs are experiencing record inflows. This trend highlights retail and institutional investors’ renewed interest in gold as part of diversified portfolios. ETFs offer an easier entry point into the gold market compared to physical bullion, making them particularly attractive to global investors.

The fact that both institutional and retail segments are aligned in their demand underscores the breadth of support for the current rally.

Outperforming Traditional and Alternative Assets

The standout fact of 2025 is how decisively gold has outpaced other major asset classes.

  • Stocks: While equities have delivered uneven gains across markets, none have come close to gold’s 28% jump.

  • Bonds: With yields remaining compressed, bonds have struggled to compete with gold’s momentum.

  • Bitcoin: Once thought to rival gold as a store of value, Bitcoin has failed to keep pace, suffering from regulatory pressure and market swings.

This broad outperformance is what makes the current rally so striking. Investors seeking reliable returns are increasingly tilting toward gold.

Could This Be a Historic Surge?

Market watchers are now asking a critical question: is gold on the verge of a historic surge? If UBS’s predictions prove correct, gold could enter a new era where prices surpass all previous highs and remain elevated for years.

The key will be whether the current demand drivers — central banks, ETFs, and investor sentiment — continue to align. If they do, gold smashes records may not just be a headline for 2025, but the defining financial story of the next decade.