Factors affecting gold prices in the second half of the year with strong demand for gold

In the past 18 months, the price of gold has steadily climbed from around $2,000 per ounce in early 2024 to over $3,300 currently. Factors driving this strong upward trend include economic pressures, ongoing global uncertainties, and steady demands from central banks around the world.

However, as the gold price reaches or approaches high levels, many investors are wondering about the direction of gold prices in the latter half of 2025. To gain more insights, CBS News consulted gold investment experts to discuss the factors that may drive the precious metal’s price up around December, which could determine whether the current upward momentum can continue or temporarily ease, and they shared their viewpoints.

Brandon Aversano, CEO of The Alloy Market, a precious metals buyer, stated, “I believe that in the latter half of 2025, the price of gold will continue to hold its value and not see a significant decline.” However, “unless new economic risks emerge, we may not see gold reaching new highs.”

Imaru Casanova, a portfolio manager at the investment management firm VanEck, mentioned, “There is a higher baseline now—in the range of $3,000 to $3,100 per ounce—which suggests there is still potential for further increase.”

While experts anticipate that gold prices will remain strong, they point out that three factors will determine whether gold prices will stabilize or continue to rise in the remaining months of this year.

“Consumer behavior will be a key driver of gold prices,” Aversano noted. “We are seeing more people buying and selling gold for economic security… while long-term holders of gold are selling to realize profits.”

At the same time, experts highlighted that the recent performance of gold has attracted investors seeking portfolio protection, with first-time buyers entering the market. This helps create a balanced market where early investors can cash in while new demand supports prices, resulting in sustained upward pressure rather than a typical rebound followed by selling.

Aversano explained, “Geopolitical risks continue to exert upward pressure on gold prices.” He elaborated, “Global instability is often related to a lack of confidence in traditional markets and currencies.”

When investors are concerned about their conventional investments, they turn to gold as a safer haven for their funds.

Casanova mentioned, “Trade disruptions, sovereign debt concerns, and military escalations provide continued support for gold as a safe haven.” Any escalation of existing conflicts could potentially drive gold prices higher.

Aversano stated, “Currently, persistently high inflation rates make gold a significant hedging tool.”

Casanova pointed out that although inflation rates have fallen from recent highs, “structural concerns—especially those related to fiscal policies and global supply chains—still exist.”

These potential economic issues indicate that price increases may resurface, continuing to drive demand for gold.

As gold prices near historic highs, if the prices seem too high to afford, silver provides a convenient entry point for investing in precious metals.

Casanova noted, “The difference with silver is that it is both a monetary asset and an industrial metal.”

However, understanding the pros and cons before buying silver would be helpful.

Lower entry costs: Silver’s trading price is only a fraction of gold’s price, making it easier to build a meaningful position with smaller amounts.

Greater potential for price increase: The smaller market size of silver can yield higher percentage gains during periods of precious metal price hikes.

Green energy investments: Henry Yoshida, CEO of Rocket Dollar in Texas, mentioned, “The increase in silver prices reflects the growing demand for technology and green energy projects.” If one believes that global green energy investments will grow, then silver can be attractive.

Higher volatility: Experts caution that silver’s price fluctuations may be larger than gold’s, making silver riskier for conservative investment portfolios.

Economic cycle sensitivity: Silver’s sensitivity to economic changes is higher than gold due to its industrial demand.

Less institutional support: Yoshida warned, “Silver has never been an attractive investment for central banks worldwide, so institutional purchases are limited.”

(This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not intend to offer any recommendations. Dajiyuan does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, real estate planning, or other personal finance advice. For specific investment matters, please consult your financial advisor. Dajiyuan does not assume any investment responsibility.)