I noticed strange movements in the gold market this year. 2026 started with crazy strength – gold rose from $3,000 at the end of 2025 and jumped to $5,600 in January, reaching all-time highs. But the scene changed sharply. In March, gold entered a harsh correction and lost about 12% in one month, the worst monthly performance since 2008. Now in April/May, the precious metal is moving around $4,700-$4,800, meaning it still holds strong gains but is far from the peak.

The question everyone is asking now: When will gold prices go up and when will they go down? The answer isn't simple. Analysts from JPMorgan, UBS, and Goldman Sachs have raised their forecasts for the year to $5,000-$6,300, but reality has shown that the market is very sensitive. Every news about US interest rates, inflation, or geopolitical tensions quickly changes the trend.

The factors controlling the movement are clear: US inflation rose from 2.4% in February to 3.3% in March, the US dollar is very strong, and Federal Reserve policies remain unclear. All this creates ongoing volatility. Central banks are still buying gold heavily, and safe-haven demand exists, but the balance between these factors determines when gold prices rise and when they fall.

From an investment perspective, options are plentiful. Some prefer buying bars or gold coins to preserve value long-term, while others trade through futures or CFDs to benefit from short-term fluctuations. The difference between these strategies is significant – long-term investing is safe but slow, while short-term trading involves higher risks but offers quick profit opportunities.

In summary: gold still maintains its strength in 2026, but in a volatile way. When gold prices go up or down depends on many factors beyond full control – interest rates, inflation, geopolitical situations. If you're thinking of entering the market, first define your goal – are you looking for inflation protection or short-term trading? And most importantly, don’t enter randomly. Gold is relatively safe but requires a clear strategy.