Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
Gold continues to dominate commodities trading, reaching a peak of $3,500 per ounce in April and currently trading around $3,320. Investors are pouring money into gold-backed ETPs due to uncertainties surrounding Trump’s trade tariffs, economic policies, and global geopolitical risks. While JP Morgan projects gold to exceed $4,000 within a year, some analysts are growing cautious. LBBW expects prices to reach only $3,000 by year-end, citing increased mining supply and already high speculator positions. HSBC’s technical analyst warns that gold’s price has diverged significantly from its 200-week moving average, suggesting potential consolidation ahead.
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Paper Gold vs Physical Gold: Which Is Safer?
When markets turn volatile, the difference between paper gold vs physical gold becomes critical. While ETFs, futures, and unallocated accounts offer convenient price exposure inside the financial system, physical gold provides direct ownership outside of it. Understanding counterparty risk, margin-driven volatility, and ownership structure helps investors choose the approach that aligns with long-term wealth preservation and portfolio protection goals.
February 19, 2026
