A saleswoman adjusts gold jewelry for sale at a shop in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on December 24, 2025. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) / China OUT
This year's most sought-after investmentsāgold, silver, and South Koreaāare experiencing a significant downturn, driven by concerns that the war in Iran might persist longer than anticipated.
These investment avenues were major momentum plays in 2026. They caught the interest of investors who, wary of their exposure to U.S. large-cap tech stocks, sought asset classes performing better in the current market climate. This shift is notable given that the S&P 500 has risen by 64% over the past three years but has fallen by 1% this year.
Gold, silver, and South Korea each offer unique advantages. Investors remain hopeful about gold's continued rise, as central banks globally shift away from the U.S. dollar; many believe it could soon surpass $6,000 per ounce. Silver is projected to gain from tight supply-demand dynamics and its substantial role in industrial applications, particularly in AI technologies.