A main reason to consider buying gold as an investment is to cushion your portfolio from volatility and economic uncertainty. But because so many different factors can move prices, gold prices are often surprisingly volatile despite the metal’s reputation as a haven.

Forecasters don't think gold's record-breaking streak is over, with some forecasting a 20% surge in the precious metal in the coming year.

Now gold is having its hottest year in nearly half a century — since the global energy and inflation crises of 1979. And it's showing no signs of stopping: This week, analysts at Goldman Sachs predicted that the price of gold would hit $4,900 by the end of 2026.

China reportedly has plans to invite some countries to buy physical gold and store it within its borders, in the country’s latest move to expand its reach into the international market for the precious metal.

Gold (GC=F) is poised to reach $5,000 next year if Federal Reserve independence comes under threat, Goldman Sachs analysts said. The precious metal is up more than 5% over the past five sessions amid investor expectations of an interest rate cut from the ...