World Gold Prices Rise 2.23 Percent During the First Week of January 2026

JAKARTA - World gold prices recorded a significant strengthening throughout the first week of January 2026, supported by a surge in demand for safe haven assets amid rising global geopolitical tensions and the release of disappointing US economic data.

The gold rally began at the start of the week, Monday (5/1/2026), after the United States arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The incident triggered a geopolitical escalation and prompted investors to shift assets to safe instruments. On that day, spot gold prices jumped 1.9% to US$ 4,411.14 per ounce, while the US gold futures contract for February delivery rose 2.1% to US$ 4,419.90 per ounce.

The trend of strengthening continued on Tuesday (6/1/2026). Gold demand is getting stronger after the US launched a military action to Venezuela.

Spot gold prices jumped 2.7% to US$ 4,444.52 per ounce, while US futures closed up 2.8% to US$ 4,451.50 per ounce. In the same session, gold also moved close to an all-time high, after previously hitting a peak of US$ 4,549.71 per ounce on December 26, 2025.

The positive momentum still persists until Wednesday (7/1/2026). Global gold prices remain in the green zone and are traded in the range of US$ 4,499 per ounce.

Entering Thursday (8/1/2026), gold movements tend to be held back. Investors are waiting to see the release of US employment data, especially nonfarm payrolls, and are waiting for the direction of the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy.

Spot gold prices were at US$ 4,452.64 per ounce, after hitting a daily low at US$ 4,406.89 per ounce.

At the close of the week, Friday (9/1/2026) US time or Saturday (10/1/2026) morning WIB, gold prices strengthened again. The precious metal rose around 0.71% to US$ 4,509.34 per ounce, driven by US employment data which again fell below expectations and continued geopolitical uncertainty.

If calculated from the beginning of the week to the weekend, the spot gold price rose from US$ 4,411.14 per ounce on Monday to US$ 4,509.34 per ounce on Friday. This means that world gold recorded an increase of US$ 98.20 per ounce or equivalent to a strengthening of around 2.23% on a weekly basis.