Blog posts of '2026' 'July'

The first half of 2026 reminded investors that precious metals can move sharply in a bull market... to the upside... or the downside.

Gold surged to record highs early in the year before pulling back, while silver experienced even more extreme volatility. 

Precious metals reacted strongly as markets were forced to absorb geopolitical tension, inflation concerns, and changing rate expectations.

At the mid-year mark, market conditions remain unsettled.

Gold decreased 7% in the first half of 2026 after rallying 64% last year. 

And silver is down roughly 15% YTD after rising 141% in 2025.

But is this the beginning of a bear market or merely an extended consolidation period in a longer bull market?

Retail buying trends reflect one thing, while central bank gold buying and market fundamentals represent another...

Since the U.S.-Israeli action against Iran began in late February, elevated tension has caused spot prices to drop while hints of potential resolution have triggered rallies.

Both gold and silver fell last Friday as the U.S. and Iran exchanged airstrikes, boosting expectations of a prolonged Middle East conflict. Ongoing conflict in the region has supported energy-price concerns and renewed attention on inflation risk, while shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy have changed the near-term outlook for metals.

At the same time, the broader mid-year outlook suggests that even after a sharp correction, the metal remains tied to an environment of moderate growth, elevated inflation, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

For investors focused on portfolio protection, the bigger takeaway may be less about short-term price swings and more about what continues to drive evergreen interest in physical metals: diversification, liquidity, and the ability to hold a tangible asset outside of purely paper-based exposure. In that environment, silver remains especially compelling for buyers who want practical exposure to precious metals at a lower entry point than gold.

What's next for metals in 2026?

In a recent interview with Investing News, ASI President Rich Checkan acknowledged that gold and silver could still go lower, but he encouraged investors to act sooner than later, "Take a little of your cash, deploy it now — lock in that opportunity to buy well. And then if it goes lower, if you get your wish, buy some more and average down." 

At ASI, we believe maintaining focus on long-term fundamentals can help investors cut through short-term noise. The start of the third quarter is a perfect time to assess finances and rebalance your portfolio to take advantage of a shifting market. 

Physical gold and silver have long played an important role in portfolio protection, inflation hedging, and wealth preservation. For investors who want to act during a market pullback, this week's offer is designed to make that decision easier.

This week, 100 oz. silver bars are available for delivery at just $1.49 over spot per ounce.

Whether you are building a new position or adding to an existing allocation, 100 oz. silver bars can offer a convenient balance of affordability and tangible ownership.. And there's no better way to Keep What's Yours.

100 oz. Silver Bars
Just $1.49 over spot per oz.

Ready to take advantage of silver’s pullback? Call 1-800-831-0007 or email [email protected] to secure your 100 oz. Silver Bars at just $1.49 over spot today!

Is gold's losing streak over?

Gold regained momentum at the end of last week, with spot prices posting a weekly gain of more than 2% on Friday and snapping a four-week losing streak. The move followed weaker-than-expected U.S. job growth data, which reduced expectations for additional rate hikes and helped restore interest in physical gold as a portfolio diversifier.

Investors are now betting on a 56% chance of a rate increase in September, down from more than 60% before the report was released, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

When economic data points to slowing growth and a less aggressive rate path, gold often returns to the conversation as a hedge against inflation, currency uncertainty, and broader market volatility. 

Gold's 3-4% YTD dip follows an aggressive early-year rally.

Think of this pullback as a "coiling of the spring" for gold. As it trades sideways after a major rally, the market can shake out weak speculators, achieve price equilibrium, and rebuild a solid technical base. This pause creates structural strength, allowing gold to gather energy for its next breakout. This process passes gold into the hands of long-term structural investors (such as institutional buyers and central banks), making future upward movements far more stable and robust.

Long consolidation periods like this are not only common, but necessary over the course of a long term gold bull market. In this environment, pullbacks are a chance to average in at a better entry point before the spring releases and spot prices into the next major bullish phase.

This is one reason many investors continue to view physical gold as a practical tool for financial resilience. Gold has historically served as a store of value during periods of uncertainty, and renewed strength should suggest that underlying fundamentals remain intact.

At ASI, we encourage investors to stay focused on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term market noise. A disciplined approach to buying physical gold during periods of weakness can help align metal mix decisions with broader financial goals while preserving flexibility for the future.

That's why we're offering 1 oz. gold bars at just $119 over spot this week. These bars are "dealer's choice", and all are LBMA-approved, which means not only are they a great addition to your portfolio, but they can also easily be added to an IRA! Don't miss out! Call 1-800-831-0007 today to place your order .

1 oz. Gold LBMA-Approved Bars
Just $119 over spot!

Call 1-800-831-0007 or email [email protected] to add gold bars to your portfolio today.