(Substack)—Gold prices keep climbing, breaking records almost weekly, and now experts are pointing to a potent mix of investor anxiety and economic shifts that could drive the metal even higher. The spot price recently touched an all-time high of $3,880.80 per ounce, marking a gain of more than 47% so far this year. With uncertainty swirling around a possible government shutdown and the Federal Reserve eyeing more rate cuts, the rush into gold shows no signs of slowing.
Aakash Doshi, head of gold strategy at State Street Investment Management, captures the mood perfectly in a recent client note: “US $4,000/oz+ is likely a question of ‘when’ not ‘if’ in the current FOMO environment. We think there is a 75% probability that bullion markets breach US$4,000+ in 4Q or by early 2026.”
This fear of missing out, or FOMO, has investors piling in, worried they’ll be left behind if prices keep soaring. Doshi’s prediction aligns with broader market sentiment, where gold acts as a hedge against inflation and currency weakness. The U.S. dollar has weakened significantly against major trading partners, posting its worst annual drop since the 1970s, which only bolsters gold’s appeal as a store of value.
Diving deeper into the mechanics, Doshi explains how Fed policy plays a central role: “As the Fed resumes its rate-cutting cycle, [gold could be supported] through two key channels: (1) Reduced opportunity cost of holding gold as a non-yielding asset; and (2) Further potential bull steepening in the US Treasury curve, which should on balance be a US$ negative phenomenon.”
Lower interest rates make alternatives like bonds less attractive, pushing more capital toward gold. The CME FedWatch Tool shows markets pricing in cuts for October and December 2025, which could further depress the dollar and fuel this rally. Similar views echo from other corners; J.P. Morgan analysts forecast gold averaging $3,675 per ounce by late 2025 before climbing to $4,000 by mid-2026, driven by sustained central bank buying and investor demand. Goldman Sachs sees it hitting $4,000 by mid-2026 as well, citing persistent global uncertainties.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) backed by physical gold are seeing inflows at levels not matched since 2020, though holdings remain below pandemic peaks. Doshi notes this leaves room for more buying: “Bullion ETF inflows can materially tighten gold supply/demand balances and are a primary factor driving record prices this year.”
State Street’s SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest such ETF, logged steady weekly inflows through late September, per ETF.com data. Other funds like ProShares Ultra Gold and DB Gold Double Long ETN have surged over 90% this year, while Sprott Physical Gold Trust and Franklin Responsibly Sourced Gold ETF are up 47%, according to VettaFi.
This FOMO-driven surge isn’t isolated. The World Gold Council attributes the rally to institutional investors jumping in to avoid being sidelined. Even bolder calls are out there, with some strategists eyeing $5,000 within the next year amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and fiscal concerns. As of today, October 6, 2025, the live spot price hovers around $3,941 per ounce, already pushing past the $3,900 barrier for the first time on safe-haven bids. If the dollar continues its slide and rate cuts materialize, that $4,000 mark might arrive sooner than expected, rewarding those who got in early while leaving latecomers scrambling.
Why the National Debt Is the Looming Threat to Your Retirement Plans
The Hidden Crisis No One Is Talking About
Every day, headlines warn about inflation, market volatility, and global instability—but the greatest looming threat to your retirement might be something far more fundamental: America’s skyrocketing national debt.
You can learn more about how the national debt affects you by reading this 3-minute report titled, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now“.
With debt growing faster than most Americans can possibly fathom, the government’s borrowing habits have reached historic—and dangerous—levels. To cover spending, Washington is making moves with their budget packages, tariffs, and taxes. Is it enough? No. It’s not even close to what would be necessary to stop out-of-control debt, let alone reverse it.
How Debt Erodes Your Nest Egg
There are only so many levers government and the Federal Reserve can pull to try to protect Americans, assuming that’s even a top priority for them. Unfortunately, pulling one level to relive one pressure invariably adds pressure from another direction. This is why prices keep going up even as inflation reportedly slows.
For retirees and pre-retirees, that’s a perfect storm. The dollars you’ve worked hard to save lose value, and your cost of living increases while your investments lag behind.
If you’re relying solely on paper-based assets—stocks, bonds, or mutual funds—you’re essentially tied to the same system that’s creating the problem. It’s a system that was designed to work well in the 20th century, not in today’s world with people living longer and the dollar rapidly losing value.
This is why the 3-minute report, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now,” is so important.
The Precious Metals Hedge
Thousands of Americans are looking for a tangible, time-tested hedge: physical gold and silver.
Unlike paper assets, precious metals aren’t dependent on government policy or the stock market’s mood swings. They’re real, finite resources that have maintained value for thousands of years through wars, recessions, and inflationary periods.
In fact, during times of high inflation and fiscal instability, gold often performs its best—because it’s seen as a store of value when faith in the dollar weakens. This is why prices have skyrocketed this year and are expected by many economists to continue going up in the future.
Take Control with a Gold IRA
One of the most effective ways to protect your retirement from national debt fallout is through a self-directed Gold IRA. This IRS-approved account lets you hold physical gold and silver within your retirement portfolio, giving you:
- Direct ownership of your assets
- A hedge against inflation and dollar decline
- The control to diversify beyond Wall Street
Augusta Precious Metals specializes in helping Americans just like you take this step with confidence. The company has earned a strong reputation for transparency, education, and personalized service—making it one of the most trusted names in the industry.
The Next Step: Secure Your Financial Future
Augusta Precious Metals has helped thousands of Americans with at least $50,000 to invest from their IRAs, 401(K)s, TSPs, and other retirement accounts safeguard their savings through precious metals.
If you’re concerned about what the rising national debt could mean for your future, now is the time to act.
Read this 3-minute report titled, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now“ and learn the simple steps you can take to protect your retirement.