Gold, Silver Set for Record Highs by 2026; Jewelry Sales Dip Amidst High Prices

• IBJA's Surendra Mehta predicts gold and silver will hit new record highs by 2026.
• Silver prices are unlikely to fall due to high lease rates (23-24%), forecast at $95-$100/ounce by 2026.
• Gold is projected to reach $4900-$5100/ounce by 2026, indicating a bullish long-term outlook.
• Current jewelry sales are down 35-40% due to high prices, impacting retail demand.
• Jewelers face challenges with 22-carat inventory, shifting customer preference to lower-carat, and cash flow strain from 'old for new' exchanges.

Why It Matters: Experts predict gold and silver will soar by 2026, but high prices currently hurt jewelry sales.