SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) Continues Record Rally, Outperforming Stocks in 2026

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) has demonstrated exceptional strength, maintaining its upward trajectory into early 2026. Following a remarkable 64% surge in 2025, the fund has already gained an additional 18% in the first two months of the new year. This performance significantly outpaces broader equity markets, highlighting a major shift in investor preference toward defensive assets. Market analysts attribute this record rally to persistent inflation and growing global political instability. Consequently, investors are increasingly flocking to gold as a critical safe-haven asset and a hedge against economic uncertainty. The sustained momentum suggests a clear preference for commodities over traditional stocks as market participants navigate volatile conditions.