Is ₹1.5 Lakh the New Reality for Gold in 2026?
Gold investors, brace yourselves. According to Abhilash Koikkara, Head of Nuvama Professional Clients Group, gold is on a clear path to breach the psychological barrier of ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams—and silver could soar to an astonishing ₹3.2 lakh per kilogram . This isn’t just optimistic speculation; it’s a data-driven forecast rooted in global macroeconomic turbulence, persistent inflation, and surging safe-haven demand.
On January 15, 2026, as markets react to shifting central bank policies and geopolitical volatility, the gold price prediction from one of India’s most respected voices in commodities trading has sent ripples through investor circles. But should you rush to buy? Or is this the calm before a correction? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
- The Expert Outlook: What Abhilash Koikkara Is Saying
- Key Drivers Behind the Gold Price Surge
- Why Silver Could Outperform Gold
- MCX Gold and Silver: Technical Trends to Watch
- Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold Right Now?
- Building a Smart Precious Metals Strategy
- Conclusion: Prepare, Don’t Panic
- Sources
The Expert Outlook: What Abhilash Koikkara Is Saying
In a recent analysis shared with clients and media, Koikkara emphasized that gold and silver are entering a “new supercycle” fueled by structural shifts in the global economy. “We expect both metals to hit fresh lifetime highs in the coming days,” he stated, pointing to weakening global currencies, central bank buying, and retail investor FOMO (fear of missing out) as key accelerants .
His target of **₹1.5 lakh for gold** assumes continued strength in international spot prices (already above $2,800/oz) combined with rupee depreciation. Similarly, the **₹3.2 lakh silver** projection hinges on industrial demand recovery—especially in solar and EV sectors—alongside its traditional role as a store of value.
Key Drivers Behind the Gold Price Surge
Several interconnected forces are pushing gold higher:
- Central Bank Buying: Countries like China, India, and Turkey have been aggressively adding gold to their reserves, reducing reliance on the US dollar .
- Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are driving investors toward safe assets.
- Sticky Inflation: Despite rate hikes, core inflation remains elevated in major economies, eroding fiat currency value.
- Rupee Weakness: A softer INR against the dollar directly inflates domestic gold prices.
According to the World Gold Council, global gold demand hit a 10-year high in 2025, with India alone accounting for over 25% of total jewelry and investment purchases .
Why Silver Could Outperform Gold
While gold grabs headlines, silver’s dual nature—as both a monetary metal and an industrial commodity—makes it a potential dark horse. The green energy transition is a massive tailwind: a single solar panel uses up to 20 grams of silver, and electric vehicles require 2–3x more silver than conventional cars .
If global manufacturing rebounds in 2026, silver’s supply deficit (it’s been in deficit for 5+ years) could trigger explosive price action. That’s why experts like Koikkara see it reaching ₹3.2 lakh/kg—a level once deemed unrealistic.
gold price prediction: What MCX Charts Are Signaling
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures have formed a strong bullish structure. Key technical indicators to watch:
- Support Level: ₹78,500 – a breakout above confirms upward momentum.
- Resistance Zone: ₹82,000–₹83,000 – clearing this opens the path to ₹90,000+.
- RSI (Relative Strength Index): Currently at 68 – not yet overbought, suggesting room to run.
For silver, the critical resistance is at ₹85,000/kg. A sustained move above could accelerate momentum toward ₹1 lakh and beyond.
Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold Right Now?
Here’s a practical guide based on your investor profile:
- Long-term Investors: Continue systematic purchases via Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) or digital gold. Avoid timing the top.
- Short-term Traders: Use dips to enter MCX long positions with strict stop-losses below ₹77,000 (gold) or ₹80,000 (silver).
- Retirees/Savers: Stick to physical gold (coins/bars) for wealth preservation; limit exposure to volatile futures.
Remember: never allocate more than 10–15% of your portfolio to precious metals. They hedge risk—but don’t generate income.
Building a Smart Precious Metals Strategy
Instead of chasing headlines, consider these proven tactics:
- Diversify across forms: SGBs (tax-free after 8 years), ETFs (liquid), and physical (tangible).
- Use cost averaging: Buy fixed amounts monthly regardless of price swings.
- Monitor the gold-silver ratio: Historically >70 signals silver is undervalued.
For deeper insights, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:how-to-invest-in-gold-and-silver-in-india].
Conclusion: Prepare, Don’t Panic
The gold price prediction of ₹1.5 lakh isn’t fantasy—it’s a plausible scenario given current trends. But volatility will remain high. Whether you’re a cautious saver or an active trader, the key is discipline. Don’t let FOMO override your financial plan. As Koikkara’s forecast reminds us: in uncertain times, gold and silver aren’t just assets—they’re insurance.
Sources
- Times of India: Original Article
- World Gold Council: Gold Demand Trends Q4 2025
- International Energy Agency (IEA): Silver in Clean Energy Transitions
- MCX India: Official Market Data
