Silver crossed $80 per ounce in May 2026 as gold analyst price forecasts range from $5,000 to $17,250, reflecting unprecedented divergence on dollar reserve dynamics.
World Gold Council Q1 2026 data shows gold demand value hit a record $193 billion, with bar and coin buying up 42% and Chinese retail demand reaching an all-time quarterly high of 207 tonnes.
Silver reached $77.54/oz on May 18, 2026, marking the sixth consecutive annual supply deficit as industrial solar panel demand drives structural shortfall.
World Gold Council Q1 2026: Total demand 1,231 tonnes, $193B record value up 74% YoY, bar and coin demand 474 tonnes up 42%, central bank buying 244 tonnes.