Billionaire Sitting On 16,000 Kilos of Gold Says Price Will Rise in 2026

Gold prices have surged amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with the precious metal trading near $5,300 an ounce as of March 4, 2026. J.P. Morgan analysts maintain a bullish stance, forecasting gold could reach $6,300 by year-end as geopolitical risks remain elevated.

Investors are increasingly viewing gold as a safe-haven asset amid the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks that have rattled global markets. The price of gold rose to over $5,400 in early March before stabilizing.

Joy Alukkas, founder of Joyalukkas Group, one of the world's largest jewelry firms, is among those anticipating further gains. The Indian billionaire holds approximately 16,000 kilograms of gold in inventory, including bars and jewelry, and believes prices will continue to rise over the next two to three years.

Why Is Gold Rising Amid Global Tensions?

Gold has surged more than 75% in a year, hitting record highs in January 2026. Analysts point to geopolitical instability as a primary factor. The recent Middle East conflict has intensified demand for safe-haven assets, pushing gold prices higher.

Joy Alukkas notes that global geopolitical tensions—particularly around the U.S. economy and the Middle East—remain a key factor. He believes the world must see significant improvement in these areas before prices stabilize.

J.P. Morgan analysts also cite persistent geopolitical risks as a tailwind for gold, suggesting volatility will continue.

How Are Central Banks and Investors Responding to the Gold Price Rise?

Central banks have played a crucial role in supporting gold prices. Emerging market countries, in particular, have been accumulating gold to diversify away from the U.S. dollar. Gold overtook U.S. Treasuries as the largest share of global reserves for the first time in 30 years in 2025.

The Indian billionaire said his company has also seen a shift in demand, with more customers investing in gold bars and coins rather than traditional jewelry. Lighter, more affordable pieces have gained popularity as prices climb.

What Are Analysts Watching for Future Price Moves?

Gold's performance is also being influenced by macroeconomic factors. The Federal Reserve's rate-cut expectations have been revised downward due to inflation concerns linked to the Middle East conflict. This reduces the likelihood of monetary easing, which typically supports gold prices.

However, long-term demand from central banks and stablecoin issuers continues to provide a structural floor for the metal. Tether has already accumulated 140 tons of gold, equivalent to the 33rd-largest reserve globally.

Joyalukkas plans to expand its gold inventory and store more at higher prices. While fluctuations are expected, the overall trend remains upward, according to Alukkas.

What Is the Role of Gold in Investor Portfolios?

Financial advisors recommend treating gold as a small allocation in diversified portfolios. Certified financial planner Patrick Huey advises keeping alternatives like gold to between 5% and 10% of a portfolio.

Gold ETFs offer a convenient way to gain exposure without physical storage. These instruments trade like stocks and provide liquidity. However, investors should be aware of different tax treatments, as gold is taxed as a collectible.

The rise of tokenized precious metals, such as GOLDUSDT and SILVERUSDT, has also opened new avenues for investors. LBank Labs reported over $6 billion in trading volume for its precious metals futures division, with gold and silver accounting for the largest shares.

What Lies Ahead for Gold and Silver in 2026?

Gold's long-term bullish case remains intact despite short-term headwinds from a stronger dollar and rising yields. J.P. Morgan analysts maintain their $6,300 price target for 2026.

Silver, while more volatile, also benefits from industrial demand and investment flows. Central banks, emerging wealth, and new digital asset players are expected to continue supporting demand for both metals.

Joy Alukkas remains confident in gold's trajectory, noting that its role as a store of value is unlikely to wane unless global economic and geopolitical conditions improve significantly. For now, the trend is clearly upward.