Following a historic surge in 2025 that saw prices climb over 60% and break records more than 50 times, gold investors are now looking ahead to assess whether the precious metal can sustain its momentum into 2026. Despite outperforming most major asset classes and heading for its best annual performance since 1979, analysts are divided on the outlook—with some seeing further room for gains and others cautioning that risks are rising.

Bitcoin declined modestly ahead of the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cut, trading around $90,011.6. Strategy's recent purchase of 10,624 BTC enhances its total to 660,624 BTC despite potential index exclusions.

Asian shares showed mixed performance as investors bet on a likely Federal Reserve rate cut this week. However, tensions within the Fed suggest a contentious meeting, sparking cautious market sentiment.

Ripple's XRP fell sharply on Thursday, breaking below a crucial support level and raising the risk of a deeper pullback toward $2.05, as bearish technical momentum outweighed strong institutional inflows into spot ETFs.