CITIC Securities Forecasts Strong Growth for Precious Metals by 2026

CITIC Securities has released a report predicting significant growth in the prices of precious metals by 2026. According to Jin10, the report suggests that gold could reach $6,000 per ounce, driven by its monetary attributes and continued safe-haven appeal. Silver is expected to exhibit strong price elasticity due to extreme shortages and trading activity, potentially reaching $120 per ounce. The report also forecasts robust performance for copper and aluminum, supported by supply constraints, resilient demand, and structurally low inventories. Copper and aluminum are projected to average $12,000 per ton and 23,000 yuan per ton, respectively, by 2026. In the battery metals sector, lithium prices are anticipated to rise to a range of 120,000 to 200,000 yuan per ton, fueled by strong demand for energy storage batteries. Cobalt prices are expected to be influenced by quota reductions, with a projected range of 400,000 to 500,000 yuan per ton. Indonesian nickel quota reductions are likely to drive nickel prices up to $22,000 per ton. Other metals such as rare earths, tungsten, tin, and natural uranium are expected to benefit from tight supply-demand dynamics and strategic metal premiums. The price targets for these metals are set at 600,000 to 800,000 yuan per ton for rare earths, 450,000 to 550,000 yuan per ton for tungsten, 450,000 to 500,000 yuan per ton for tin, and $100 per pound for natural uranium.