Gold and silver prices opened 2026 with gains, continuing a strong annual surge. Gold rose 0.7% to $4,348.42 an ounce and silver increased 1.5% to $72.7175, following their best annual performance since 1979. While potential US interest rate cuts and dollar weakness could support further gains, near-term concerns exist regarding portfolio rebalancing potentially pressuring prices. Analysts suggest significant silver contract sales could lead to a price correction.