The World Bank projects the average gold price in 2024 to reach US$2,350 per troy ounce.
This represents a 21% year-on-year (YoY) increase and sets a new historical high.
"The recent increase in gold prices is supported by various factors, including rising geopolitical tensions, continued demand from central banks, and the beginning of monetary policy easing in the United States," the World Bank stated in its October 2024 Commodity Markets Outlook report.
However, the World Bank projects the average gold price in 2025 to fall by 1.1% (YoY) to US$2,325 per troy ounce.
"Demand for gold from central banks and the jewelry industry, which together account for about two-thirds of global gold demand, is likely to ease," they said.
The World Bank assesses that gold prices could rise beyond expectations if the geopolitical situation intensifies.
"Further escalation of conflicts, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, could push gold prices beyond current projections," they stated.