[HSBC: Gold Prices Expected to Peak in the First Half of Next Year, Targeting $4,400] Odaily Planet Daily News – Although gold faced downward pressure earlier this week, HSBC believes this is merely a temporary correction for the precious metal. The institution predicts that the upward trend in gold prices will continue into the new year and reach its peak in the first half of 2026. HSBC points out that key factors driving this rally include safe-haven capital inflows, expanding fiscal deficits, new threats to the Federal Reserve's independence, and pressure on the overall fiscal stability of the United States. Additionally, the bank believes that strong capital inflows into ETFs and physical gold accounts will continue to support gold prices. However, looking ahead to the year-end period, HSBC notes that if the Federal Reserve's rate cuts fall short of expectations, it may slow the rise in gold prices. Nonetheless, the overall weakness of the U.S. dollar should support precious metal prices through early 2026. The bank forecasts that gold prices will fluctuate between $3,700 and $4,050 for the remainder of this year, with a year-end target price of $3,950. Next year, gold prices are expected to range between $3,600 and $4,400, with the peak surpassing the $4,400 mark in the first half of 2026. HSBC's forecast for gold prices at the end of 2026 is $3,800. (Jin10)