The Year of Hard Assets Is Already Breaking Records

Author: Phil Carr

Published: January 9, 2026

Overview

As 2026 begins, global commodity markets are experiencing a significant surge, validating predictions that this year will be defined by hard assets. Analysts from The Gold & Silver Club have declared 2026 as "The Year of Hard Assets," a theme that is gaining traction as industrial and precious metals reach multi-year and all-time highs.

Market Performance

Key metals such as Aluminium, Copper, Nickel, Palladium, and Platinum have opened the year with remarkable gains. Copper, a critical indicator of industrial demand, has surpassed $13,000 per metric ton, marking its best performance since 2009. Nickel has also seen substantial increases, with single-day gains exceeding 10%, while Aluminium has returned to levels not seen since 2022. This rally has driven the LMEX Index, which tracks major base metals, to its highest point since the early 2020s.

Driving Factors

The surge in commodity prices is attributed to a combination of factors: years of underinvestment, tightening supply, and increasing industrial demand. Investors are shifting their focus from overvalued equities and soft currencies to tangible assets that provide a sense of security and value.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, precious metals are expected to follow suit. Gold and Silver, buoyed by geopolitical uncertainties and anticipated easing of real interest rates, are projected to reach new heights. The Gold & Silver Club forecasts Gold could hit $5,000 an ounce and Silver $100 within the first quarter of 2026. Major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan have also revised their forecasts upward, with projections for Gold reaching as high as $8,000 by 2028.

Investment Strategy

Lars Hansen, Head of Research at The Gold & Silver Club, emphasizes the importance of early positioning in this market. He warns that under-allocating to hard assets could be a costly mistake, as the current environment presents a unique opportunity for wealth creation.

Conclusion

As 2026 progresses, the narrative surrounding hard assets is becoming increasingly clear. Investors are encouraged to act swiftly to capitalize on the ongoing shift towards tangible commodities, as the potential for significant returns is substantial.