Precious Metals News & Analysis

Market updates, price analysis, and insights from the LiveMetalPrice team

investmentJune 3, 2026

Gold IRA Contributions Surge to Decade High as Institutional Rotation Into Bullion ETFs Accelerates Ahead of H2

Gold IRA contributions hit their highest monthly level in a decade during May, while institutional investors quietly rotated into large-cap bullion ETFs at a pace not seen since the 2020 pandemic breakout. With J.P. Morgan, UBS, and Citigroup all reaffirming $5,000-plus year-end price targets and central bank demand running at 25-year highs, the structural investment thesis for gold heading into the second half of 2026 has rarely been stronger.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningJune 3, 2026

Barrick Reports Strong Q1 Gold Output as Cortez Underground Ramp-Up Accelerates; Nevada Complex Hits 18-Month High

Barrick Gold has posted its strongest quarterly production result from the Nevada Gold Mines joint venture since late 2024, driven by accelerating ore grades at the Cortez underground expansion and improved mill throughput at Goldstrike. The complex produced 410,000 ounces in the first quarter, underpinning renewed analyst confidence in Barrick's full-year guidance.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentJune 2, 2026

ETF Inflows Rebound in May as Central Banks Buy 244 Tonnes in Q1; Analysts Eye $5,000 Gold by Year-End

Global gold ETF inflows recovered strongly in May after a March dip, while first-quarter central bank purchases hit a 25-year quarterly record. With J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Wells Fargo all maintaining elevated year-end price targets and gold IRA demand running well above its five-year average, the structural investment case for gold remains intact heading into the second half of 2026.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentJune 1, 2026

Central Banks Add 95 Tonnes in April as Gold ETF Inflows Hit 18-Month High; Analyst Price Targets Revised to $3,500

Official sector gold purchases accelerated in April while physically backed ETFs absorbed their largest monthly inflow since October 2024. With major banks lifting price targets to $3,500 and gold IRA rollovers running at double their five-year average, the institutional case for precious metals exposure has rarely looked more compelling.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningJune 1, 2026

Barrick Gold Reports Record Q1 Output at Pueblo Viejo as Nevada Operations Beat Guidance; New Dominican Expansion Approved

Barrick Gold has reported record quarterly production at its Pueblo Viejo joint venture in the Dominican Republic and confirmed regulatory approval for the long-awaited plant expansion, a development that is expected to add up to 200,000 ounces of annual gold output and extend the mine's productive life through the mid-2040s.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 29, 2026

Silver ETF Inflows Surge to Two-Year High as Investors Position for Industrial Demand Rebound and Fed Rate Cuts

Silver-backed ETFs recorded their largest weekly inflow in two years this week, driven by a combination of strengthening industrial demand signals and growing confidence in Federal Reserve rate cuts before year-end. With the gold-silver ratio elevated near 85 and analyst targets implying meaningful upside, silver is drawing fresh attention from investors who missed gold's earlier run.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 28, 2026

Gold ETF Holdings Hit Three-Year Peak as Hedge Funds Rebuild Long Positions Ahead of Fed Pivot

Global gold ETF holdings have reached their highest level since mid-2023 as hedge funds rebuild net long positions and central banks maintain steady buying. With analyst price targets clustering above $3,400 and gold IRA inflows at multi-year highs, the institutional setup for gold looks increasingly constructive heading into the second half of 2026.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 27, 2026

Silver ETF Inflows Surge to 18-Month High as Institutional Investors Rotate Into Industrial Metals

Silver-backed ETFs logged their largest single-week inflow in eighteen months as institutional investors rotate into industrial precious metals ahead of anticipated rate cuts and a potential pickup in global manufacturing. With central banks sustaining gold purchases and analyst price targets for silver rising sharply, the case for precious metals exposure is broadening beyond traditional safe-haven buyers.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
Market UpdateMay 27, 2026

Precious Metals Slide Broadly on May 27 as Silver Leads Decline With 4.1% Drop

Precious metals posted sharp losses across the board on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with silver falling 4.1 percent to lead the complex lower. Gold dropped 2.3 percent to $4,446 per troy ounce as a firmer dollar and fading safe-haven demand weighed on prices following encouraging U.S. fiscal signals.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 26, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Accelerate as Hedge Funds Rebuild Long Positions Ahead of Fed Decision

Gold-backed ETFs recorded their fifth consecutive week of net inflows as institutional investors rebuild precious metals exposure ahead of the June Federal Reserve meeting. With analyst price targets creeping higher, central bank buying sustained, and gold IRA demand at multi-year highs, the structural case for holding gold remains unusually well-supported.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 26, 2026

Barrick Gold Cuts 2026 Production Guidance After Flooding Shuts Key Mali Operations

Barrick Gold has revised its 2026 production guidance downward following severe seasonal flooding that forced a temporary suspension of operations at its Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali — one of the company's highest-margin gold mines. The disruption adds to an already constrained global gold supply picture and has drawn fresh attention to mining-sector concentration risk in West Africa.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 25, 2026

Silver ETF Outperforms Gold in May Flows as Institutional Investors Rotate Into Industrial-Monetary Play

Silver-backed ETFs have outpaced gold in percentage-flow terms through May 2026, drawing institutional capital seeking exposure to both precious and industrial demand drivers. With analyst price targets rising and central bank gold buying sustaining a demand floor, the investment case for a precious metals allocation looks increasingly well-supported heading into the summer.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 21, 2026

Gold Price Targets Are Moving Higher — and Institutional Positioning Suggests the Market Believes Them

Major banks have lifted their 12-month gold price targets above $5,000 per troy ounce in May 2026, and institutional positioning data suggests this is not idle optimism. ETF inflows, central bank demand, and gold IRA conversion rates are all accelerating in alignment — a configuration that has historically preceded sustained bull runs.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 21, 2026

Newmont Cuts 2026 Gold Output Guidance After Flooding Forces Suspension at Boddington

Newmont Corporation has revised its 2026 gold production guidance downward after heavy rainfall and flooding at its Boddington open-pit mine in Western Australia forced an unplanned operational suspension. The disruption is expected to remove approximately 80,000 troy ounces from the company's annual output and has contributed to a tightening of near-term physical gold supply estimates.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
miningMay 20, 2026

Newmont Cuts 2026 Gold Output Guidance as Grade Decline Hits Boddington; Barrick Reports Strong Q1 at Carlin

Newmont Corporation trimmed its full-year 2026 gold production guidance by roughly 200,000 ounces on Wednesday, citing accelerating grade decline at its Boddington open-pit mine in Western Australia. Meanwhile, Barrick Gold reported a strong quarter at its Carlin complex in Nevada, partially offsetting softness at Pueblo Viejo.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 19, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Accelerate in May as Institutional Positioning Shifts Toward Precious Metals

Global gold-backed ETFs have logged their fifth consecutive week of net inflows as institutional investors rebalance toward hard assets amid persistent fiscal uncertainty. With central bank buying on pace for another record year and analyst price targets climbing above $5,000, the structural case for gold is gaining traction beyond traditional safe-haven buyers.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 19, 2026

Barrick Reports Q1 Production Miss at Pueblo Viejo as Water Restrictions Curb Output

Barrick Gold has disclosed that its Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic produced below internal targets in the first quarter of 2026, as government-imposed water usage restrictions limited ore throughput. The shortfall adds to mounting supply-side pressures across the gold sector, with analysts flagging rising input costs and permitting delays at several major operations.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 18, 2026

ETF Inflows Accelerate as Institutional Investors Raise Gold Allocations to Multi-Year Highs

Global gold-backed ETF holdings climbed for a sixth consecutive week through mid-May, with North American funds accounting for the bulk of net inflows. Institutional positioning data and rising gold IRA contributions point to a broadening investor base that is increasingly treating gold as a core portfolio holding rather than a tactical hedge.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 18, 2026

Newmont Cuts Full-Year Output Guidance as Flooding Shuts Key Peru Operations

Newmont Corporation revised its 2026 gold production guidance downward on Monday after severe flooding in southern Peru forced a temporary suspension of mining operations at its Yanacocha complex, one of the largest gold mines in South America. The company now expects to produce between 5.9 million and 6.2 million gold-equivalent ounces for the year, down from its prior forecast of 6.4 million to 6.7 million.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 15, 2026

ETF Inflows Surge and Central Banks Stay the Course: The Investment Case for Gold Remains Intact

Gold ETF holdings climbed for a sixth consecutive week through mid-May as institutional investors rebuilt positions trimmed during April's equity rally. With central bank demand on pace to exceed 1,000 tonnes for a fourth straight year and analyst price targets clustering above $5,000, the structural bid beneath gold looks durable. James Crawford examines the key positioning signals.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 15, 2026

Newmont Suspends Operations at Penasquito Mine After Underground Flooding; Silver and Gold Output Guidance Under Review

Newmont Corporation has temporarily suspended underground production at its Penasquito polymetallic mine in Zacatecas, Mexico, following an uncontrolled water inflow that affected two lower-level stopes. The incident is expected to weigh on second-quarter silver and gold output and has prompted the company to place its full-year production guidance under review. Sarah Mitchell reports.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
Market UpdateMay 15, 2026

Precious Metals Slide Broadly on May 15 as Risk Appetite Returns and Dollar Firms

Gold fell nearly 2.7 percent on Friday to $4,568 per troy ounce as improved risk sentiment and a firmer U.S. dollar weighed on safe-haven demand. Silver led the complex lower with a near 10 percent drop, while platinum and palladium also retreated sharply. James Crawford reports on today's moves and what the macro backdrop means for the near-term outlook.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 14, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Hit Eight-Month High as Central Banks and Institutional Buyers Drive Fresh Positioning

Global gold-backed ETFs recorded their strongest week of net inflows since September 2025 as institutional investors reallocated from equities amid lingering macro uncertainty. Central bank demand remains a structural floor, and analyst price targets are creeping higher. James Crawford examines what the positioning data means for precious metals investors right now.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 14, 2026

Barrick Gold Trims 2026 Output Guidance as Nevada Complex Underperforms; South African PGM Sector Faces Fresh Strike Threat

Barrick Gold revised its full-year gold production guidance downward on Thursday after weaker-than-expected ore grades at its Carlin complex in Nevada weighed on Q1 output. Separately, South Africa's Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union has issued a 48-hour strike notice at two Sibanye-Stillwater platinum operations near Rustenburg, putting an estimated 320,000 ounces of annual PGM production at risk. Sarah Mitchell examines what both developments mean for near-term precious metals supply.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
Market UpdateMay 14, 2026

Precious Metals Ease Broadly on May 14 as Palladium Leads Declines; Dollar Firmness Weighs

Gold slipped to $3,320 per troy ounce Thursday morning as the U.S. dollar held firm following cautious Federal Reserve commentary and a preliminary U.S.-China trade framework. Palladium led the day's losses across the complex, falling 1.08 percent, while silver and platinum posted more modest retreats. James Crawford reviews the session's moves and near-term macro outlook.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 13, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Return as Institutional Buyers Reload on the Dip — Is $5,000 Still in Play?

Global gold ETFs swung back to net inflows of 45 tonnes in April 2026, even as spot prices pulled back sharply from January highs. Central banks bought 244 tonnes in Q1 alone, and J.P. Morgan is still targeting $5,000 by year-end. James Crawford examines whether the current correction is a buying opportunity or the start of a deeper unwind.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 13, 2026

Barrick Gold Cuts 2026 Output Guidance After Flooding Shuts Key Sections of Cortez Mine in Nevada

Barrick Gold has revised its full-year 2026 production guidance downward after heavy spring flooding closed two major production zones at its Cortez complex in Nevada, one of the largest gold mines in the United States. The disruption, which Barrick says will remove between 90,000 and 120,000 ounces from its annual output, adds to a broader tightening of North American gold supply at a moment when spot prices are trading near record highs.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 12, 2026

Central Banks and ETFs Are Buying Gold Simultaneously — A Rare Signal Investors Should Not Ignore

Gold is being bought from both ends of the institutional spectrum at the same time: central banks continue accumulating at near-record pace while ETF inflows hit multi-month highs. When these two demand streams run concurrently, history suggests the rally is durable rather than speculative. Here is what the current positioning data means for precious metals investors.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 12, 2026

Sibanye-Stillwater Declares Force Majeure at Montana Palladium Operations After Underground Fire Forces Extended Closure

Sibanye-Stillwater has declared force majeure on palladium and platinum deliveries from its Stillwater and East Boulder mines in Montana following an underground fire that has forced an indefinite suspension of production. The two mines together account for roughly 90 percent of U.S. primary palladium output, and the outage is expected to tighten an already strained global supply picture.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 11, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Hit Eleven-Month High as Institutional Investors Return to Bullion

Gold-backed ETFs recorded their largest weekly inflow since June 2025 as institutional investors rotated back into bullion amid persistent inflation uncertainty and a softening U.S. dollar. Central bank buying remains robust, analyst price targets are climbing, and gold IRA demand is at multi-year highs — a confluence of demand drivers that suggests the current rally has structural legs.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 11, 2026

Barrick Gold Reports Record Q1 Output at Carlin Complex as Nevada Operations Drive Production Beat

Barrick Gold has reported first-quarter 2026 production of 1.24 million troy ounces of gold, beating analyst consensus by roughly 6 percent, driven by a record quarter at its Carlin Complex in Nevada. The company also raised its full-year guidance range by 40,000 ounces, citing improved ore grades and processing throughput at its flagship North American assets.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
investmentMay 8, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Hit 18-Month High as Institutional Investors Rotate Into Precious Metals Ahead of Fed Pivot

Global gold-backed ETFs recorded their highest monthly net inflows since November 2024 in April 2026, as institutional investors repositioned portfolios ahead of an anticipated Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycle. Central bank demand and rising gold IRA allocations are reinforcing a structural bid that analysts say could push gold toward $5,000 per troy ounce before year-end.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
Market UpdateMay 8, 2026

Precious Metals Market Brief — May 8, 2026: Silver Surges 4 Percent as Dollar Slides on Fed Outlook

Silver led precious metals sharply higher on Friday, posting a 4.1 percent gain to $80.62 per troy ounce as renewed dollar weakness and rising expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts before year-end drove broad-based buying across the complex. Gold edged up 0.4 percent to $4,718.98, while platinum and palladium retreated on profit-taking.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
investmentMay 7, 2026

Gold ETF Inflows Accelerate in April as Institutional Investors Rebuild Positions Ahead of Summer Uncertainty

Global gold-backed ETFs recorded their strongest month of net inflows since late 2024 in April 2026, as institutional investors rotated back into the metal amid renewed concerns over fiscal deficits, dollar weakness, and central bank policy divergence. Here is what the positioning data means for precious metals investors heading into the summer.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
miningMay 7, 2026

Barrick Gold Reports Record Q1 Output at Kibali as Congo Basin Deposits Reshape African Supply Outlook

Barrick Gold has posted record first-quarter production figures from its Kibali gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while announcing a major new deep-level deposit discovery adjacent to the existing operation. The findings could extend Kibali's mine life by more than a decade and add significant ounces to global gold supply at a time when new large-scale discoveries have become increasingly rare.

By Sarah Mitchell, Senior Markets AnalystRead article
Market UpdateMay 7, 2026

Precious Metals Surge Across the Board on May 7 as Silver Leads With a 9 Percent Daily Gain

Silver rocketed more than nine percent on Thursday as industrial demand signals and a weakening dollar combined to drive the sharpest single-session rally in the complex this year. Gold pushed toward $4,737, platinum cleared $2,077, and palladium added two and a half percent. All four major metals closed well above their Wednesday levels.

By James Crawford, Metals CorrespondentRead article
📈 Weekly metals digest — free