Commodity prices rose in January, despite sharp swings.
- Precious metals prices, while volatile, rose in January as political, geopolitical, and economic uncertainties drove “safe-haven” demand.
- The copper price hit a record high in late January before consolidating.
- Oil prices were boosted by temporary supply disruptions in the US and Kazakhstan, as well as a weaker US dollar and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
As volatility subsides, we believe fundamentals remain supportive.
- We see gold resuming its climb, rising as high as USD 6,200/oz by mid-year, supported by central bank and investor demand, large fiscal deficits, lower real US interest rates, and geopolitical risks.
- We project further supply shortages for copper and aluminum that should support prices over the medium term, while structural drivers (e.g., electrification) underpin long-term demand.
- We forecast Brent crude oil at USD 65/bbl in June and USD 67/bbl in December, compared to USD 71.3/barrel at present.
Commodities can help diversify portfolios, with various ways to invest in them.
- Commodities can face periods of volatility, but they can also play a valuable role in portfolios, as they have historically shown low correlation with equities and bonds.
- Investors can access commodities through diversified indices, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), exchange-traded commodities (ETCs), or structured investments.
- However, they should be aware of unique risks such as price swings and costs associated with futures or physical holdings.
New this week
Gold prices rose around 1% on Monday, taking the precious metal's gain so far this year to 19.7%, amid heightened concerns over escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
Did you know?
- Returns are generally strongest when supply-demand imbalances or macro risks—such as inflation or geopolitical events—are elevated. In such periods, broad commodity exposure can help diversify portfolios and protect against shocks.
- Commodities have also experienced long periods of strong out- and underperformance versus equities. Hence, we generally see them as a tactical, not permanent, component of a long-term portfolio.
- For investors with an affinity for gold, we believe a modest allocation can enhance diversification and buffer against systemic risks.
- For investors with substantial allocations and significant unrealized profits in gold, broadening commodity exposure to include copper, aluminum, and agricultural assets can help diversify sources of future return in our view.
Investment view
Commodities are set to play a more prominent role in portfolios in 2026, in our view, offering diversification amid supply-demand imbalances, geopolitical risks, and the global energy transition. We like broad commodity exposure, and continue to favor gold, which we see as an attractive hedge.
