Other

Gold price forecast to decline in 2015

OtherJan 28, 2015

Gold price forecast to decline in 2015

Analysts predict that the strengthening U.S. dollar and increase in interest rates will drive a drop in the metal’s per-ounce price this year.  

New York--Though gold is expected to decrease in price again throughout the year, 2015 could end with a slight uptick, setting the stage for a price recovery next year.

London-based analyst Andrew Leyland, the manager of precious metals demand at Thomson Reuters GFMS, told National Jeweler that they are predicting an average gold price of $1,170 per ounce this year. 

He also noted that gold has gotten off to a very strong start. The metal’s price was up to $1,288 per ounce at press time on Wednesday, according to Kitco.com.

In addition to making its own prediction, Thomson Reuters also polls analysts and traders to find the average forecast for 2015. The mean forecast from the 38 different contributors, including its own, was $1,234 per ounce.

Leyland said that the key reasons the average per-ounce price of gold is forecast to fall from its high start this year and from 2014’s annual average has to do in part with the strengthening of the U.S. dollar. 

A stronger American economy in general also is expected to contribute, compared with weaker economies in Europe and Japan and a slowdown in some of the emerging markets--Brazil, China, and a big slowdown in Russia owing to the falling oil prices and Western sanctions--as well as an expected increase in U.S. interest rates.

The London Bullion Market Association also did a forecast survey, with 35 analysts representing 31 different companies participating.

Results found that many participants think that the price of gold essentially will stay flat in 2015, with an average of $1,211 this year, a number not too far off from what the Thomson Reuters GFMS poll has predicted.

Examining the possible extremes for the next 11 months, Leyland said they predict gold could dip as low as $1,050 and as high as $1,340. “We expect the first quarter of the year to be the strongest. You quite often get a bit more movement in the first quarter and strength as people re-weigh their portfolios at the beginning of the year.”

With the recent news that the Swiss have unlinked their currency from the Euro and people seeing that the Swiss Franc has a little more volatility to it, more people are putting their money into gold, sending the price higher this month.

But with a significant sell-off expected in the middle of the year, the second quarter is predicted

to be the weakest in terms of gold pricing, possibly carrying into the third quarter. And the year could end with a slight pick-up, paving the way for a recovery next year.

“I think most people view this as being the bottom of gold,” Leyland said. “We’ve had a couple years of decline now. Most people think that gold prices will stabilize and increase post-2015, but there’ll probably be one more price movement lower.”

According to a recent report on Kitco.com, Goldman Sachs has similar thoughts, noting in a report that though it expects prices to remain stable in the first quarter, it believes they will fall again in the second and third quarters, and could even continue downward through 2016.

“Net, absent a reversal in the U.S. and global recovery, we expect only limited further upside to gold prices despite the recent European and Swiss monetary shifts, as these are likely already largely priced in,” Kitco quoted the report as saying.

In terms of jewelry demand, Reuters’ Leyland said that while the increase in U.S. jewelry sales in 2014 was “reasonably weak,” gold jewelry outperformed other categories by a significant amount. 

This is due to a number trends that are likely to continue in 2015--people are spending more disposable income on jewelry, and there also has been a movement by quite a few retailers to promote yellow gold jewelry.

Additionally, because gold prices have come down and the 2013 prices now have filtered into the U.S. system, manufacturers can move away from plated gold products or 10-karat gold products back into karat gold, particularly 14-karat gold. 

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden Butterfly Diamond Necklace
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue Book

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Claire’s new summer campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

Cartier London Crash Watch
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2M

Believed to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Police cars
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

Officials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.

OAR26_NJ_bulletin_1872x1052_01.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver Manufacturing

Sponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition

Tiffany & Co. Mother’s Day email opt out
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-Out

Some retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.

Dick Abbott
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The Edge

The Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.

The Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’

De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.

John Wayne Signet Ring
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's Ring

A signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.

Stock image of money
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect

Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.

Gregory's Jewelers storefront
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the Torch

The owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.

Doug Hucker
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICA

The colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.

Natural Diamond Council Chief Marketing Officer Susie Dewey
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing

Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.

The Ocean Dream diamond
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’s

The largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.

Smart Age Solutions CEO and National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an Afterthought

Emmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.

Longnecker Jewelry storefront
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 Years

In honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.

Jeff Corey
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board Chair

The trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.

Fourteen August Irene mom ring
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF Says

NRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.

TwentyFour Vault Locket
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual Vault

The “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.

Hamptons Jewelry Show exhibitors Maison Mèrenor, Jochen Leën, Studio Javo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in July

The open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.

Photos from Day’s Jewelers 2025 Mother’s Day campaign
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s Jewelers

The jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.

National Jeweler - Supplier Bulletin - April 2026 - JMSS Graphic.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value Goods

Sponsored by Jewelers Mutual

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy