Gold and silver prices extended their rally on Wednesday, with both precious metals witnessing significant gains in the domestic bullion market. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), silver prices surged by ₹3,034 per kilogram to ₹2,26,238, while 24-carat gold gained ₹2,303 per 10 grams, taking its price to ₹1,43,440.

The latest rise comes after three consecutive sessions of gains. During this period, gold has become costlier by ₹4,281 per 10 grams, while silver has jumped ₹10,764 per kilogram, reflecting continued investor interest amid global economic uncertainty.

Latest Gold Rates

As per IBJA data, the latest gold prices are:

Retail prices quoted by jewellers vary across cities due to taxes and making charges. According to market data, 24-carat gold is currently trading at around ₹1,46,560 per 10 grams in cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bhopal and Patna, while prices in Mumbai, Kolkata and Raipur are marginally lower at ₹1,46,510.

Gold Up ₹12,000 This Year

Despite fluctuations during the year, gold has remained one of the best-performing asset classes in 2026.

On December 31, 2025, the price of 24-carat gold stood at approximately ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams. Since then, it has gained nearly ₹12,000, although it remains below its record high of ₹1.76 lakh per 10 grams, touched in January this year.

Silver, meanwhile, has witnessed greater volatility. It is currently trading at ₹2.26 lakh per kilogram, lower than its all-time high of ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram recorded in January, but still significantly higher than historical averages.

Experts See Further Upside

Commodity market experts believe precious metals could continue to remain strong if global economic uncertainty, inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions persist.

According to commodity expert Ajay Kedia, investors may consider accumulating gold and silver gradually rather than making lump-sum investments.

He estimates that by the end of 2026:

• Gold could rise to around ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams.
• Silver could climb to nearly ₹2.80 lakh per kilogram, depending on international market conditions.

Analysts say demand for safe-haven assets typically increases during periods of global uncertainty, providing support to bullion prices.

Tips Before Buying Gold

Experts advise buyers to keep the following points in mind while purchasing jewellery:

• Purchase only BIS hallmarked gold, as hallmark certification guarantees purity and authenticity.
• Compare daily gold prices using trusted sources such as the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) before making a purchase, as rates vary according to purity and market conditions.

How to Check Genuine Silver

Consumers can perform a few simple checks before buying silver:

• Magnet Test: Genuine silver does not stick to a magnet.
• Ice Test: Ice melts faster on real silver because of its high thermal conductivity.
• Smell Test: Pure silver has no noticeable smell, while fake silver may emit a metallic or copper-like odour.
• Cloth Test: Rubbing silver with a white cloth often leaves a black mark due to natural oxidation, indicating genuine silver.

With precious metal prices remaining volatile, market experts recommend that investors closely monitor global economic developments before making large investment decisions.

The domestic bullion market witnessed a strong rebound on Tuesday, with both gold and silver prices registering significant gains. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), silver prices surged by ₹3,159 per kilogram to ₹2.22 lakh, while 24-carat gold rose by ₹1,150 to ₹1.43 lakh per 10 grams. The sharp increase reflects renewed buying interest amid global economic uncertainty and expectations of sustained demand for precious metals.

The latest rally comes after weeks of price volatility, with market experts predicting that gold could climb to ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams by the end of 2026 if global geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures persist.

Gold and Silver Register Strong Gains

As per IBJA data, 24-carat gold is now priced at ₹1,43,404 per 10 grams, while 22-carat gold stands at ₹1,31,358 and 18-carat gold at ₹1,07,553 per 10 grams.

Silver also recorded a substantial rise, with one kilogram now costing ₹2,22,734, reflecting a sharp one-day increase of ₹3,159.

Across major cities, gold prices remained broadly aligned. Delhi and Lucknow recorded 24-carat gold prices of ₹1,44,370 per 10 grams, while Mumbai, Kolkata and Raipur quoted prices around ₹1,44,220. Bhopal and Ahmedabad witnessed rates close to ₹1,44,270.

Bullion Prices Remain Volatile in 2026

Precious metals have experienced considerable fluctuations this year. Gold has gained nearly ₹9,000 per 10 grams compared to its level at the end of 2025, when it traded around ₹1.33 lakh.

Silver, however, has followed a different trajectory. Despite Tuesday's jump, it remains below its year-end 2025 level, having declined by nearly ₹10,000 per kilogram over the period.

The year also witnessed historic highs. Gold touched an all-time peak of around ₹1.76 lakh per 10 grams in January, while silver surged to nearly ₹3.86 lakh per kilogram, highlighting the extraordinary volatility seen in commodity markets during 2026.

Experts Recommend Systematic Investment

Commodity market expert Ajay Kedia believes the recent correction from record highs offers investors an opportunity to enter the bullion market. However, he advises against making lump-sum investments.

Instead, investors should adopt a staggered investment strategy to reduce the impact of price volatility. According to Kedia, gold could rise to around ₹1.60 lakh per 10 grams by the end of the year, while silver may advance toward ₹2.80 lakh per kilogram, provided global economic conditions continue to support safe-haven assets.

Tips for Buying Gold

Financial experts recommend purchasing only BIS hallmarked gold, as hallmark certification guarantees purity and authenticity. Buyers should also compare prevailing market rates before making a purchase, since gold prices differ depending on purity levels such as 24-carat, 22-carat and 18-carat.

Consumers are also advised to verify the weight, making charges and invoice details before finalising a purchase.

How to Check Pure Silver

Experts suggest a few simple methods to identify genuine silver:

• Real silver does not stick to a magnet.
• Ice melts faster on pure silver because of its high thermal conductivity.
• Genuine silver has no metallic or copper-like smell.
• Rubbing silver with a white cloth often leaves a black mark due to natural oxidation, indicating authenticity.

With global economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments and inflation concerns continuing to influence investor sentiment, bullion is expected to remain in focus. Market participants will closely watch international price movements and central bank policies for further direction in gold and silver prices.

In the wake of a blockbuster 2025 for commodities, Indian retail investors are buzzing with excitement—and a dash of confusion—over where to park their money next.

With fears of missing out (FOMO) running high, experts are pointing to silver and copper as the standout choices among metals to invest in 2026.

As global shifts like de-dollarization and green energy transitions reshape markets, these metals promise higher returns than gold, platinum, or uranium. This timely analysis comes amid fresh warnings of corrections, making smart picks essential for savvy investors.

Gold's Rally: Proceed with Caution

Gold has been a safe haven since 2022, surging due to central bank buying and geopolitical tensions. Ajay Kedia, founder of Kedia Advisory, attributes 70% of last year's gains to de-dollarization. He forecasts gold hitting ₹1.65 lakh per 10 grams by year-end, supported by potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts and rupee weakness.

However, Kedia cautions against over-optimism. "Investors should be ready for a 10-12% correction," he says, noting current prices at ₹1,37,195 per 10 grams (per IBJA data). This makes gold less appealing for aggressive growth seekers among metals to invest in 2026, especially if profit-taking kicks in.

Silver's Shine: High Rewards with Volatility

Silver stole the show in 2025 with a 180% rally, driven by industrial demand in tech and renewables, plus a supply squeeze from China. Aditya Modak, CFO & COO of P N Gadgil & Sons, calls it his top pick: "The fundamentals—like supply shortages—are too strong to ignore."

Sources predicts silver reaching ₹3.20 lakh per kg by 2026 end, from current levels of ₹2,39,994 per kg. Yet, he warns of a 20-25% drop due to profit booking. For retail investors eyeing silver investment, this volatility offers entry points during dips, with long-term bulls backed by rising EV and solar needs.

Copper's Surge: The Industrial Powerhouse

Copper emerged as a dark horse in 2025, up 35-40% amid supply issues in Chile and Indonesia, and booming demand from EVs, solar panels, and infrastructure.  2026 a "game-changer" for copper, expecting 25-30% gains to ₹1,500-1,550 per kg from today's ₹1,278-1,280 on MCX—a potential 21% upside.

"Copper can even replace silver in some applications," Sources adds. He advises waiting for an 8-12% correction before buying, making it a strategic choice for those diversifying in metals to invest in 2026.

Other Contenders: Platinum and Uranium

Platinum soared 150% last year on auto industry demand and green tech uses, with EU policies extending traditional vehicle lifespans. Kedia sees continued upside but no repeat blockbuster.

Uranium, up 12% YoY, benefits from nuclear energy's revival for energy security. While promising, it's niche compared to silver investment or copper rally.

Why This Matters Now: Actionable Takeaways

As commodity rallies evolve amid economic uncertainties, focusing on silver and copper aligns with India's push for sustainable tech. Practical tips:

- Diversify: Allocate 20-30% to these metals via ETFs or futures.

- Monitor corrections: Buy on dips for better entry.

- Consult experts: Track IBJA and MCX for real-time data.

In 2026, smart investors will prioritize fundamentals over hype. Silver and copper aren't just metals—they're bets on the future.