Gold Soars to Record ₹1.52 Lakh: What Happened on 20 January 2026

The Indian gold market witnessed an extraordinary day on January 20, 2026, as prices skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, leaving both investors and jewelry shoppers in awe. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures shattered the crucial ₹1.5 lakh barrier for the first time ever, hitting a staggering record high of ₹1.52 lakh per 10 grams. This remarkable surge saw MCX gold rise by an astonishing ₹6,800 per 10 grams in a single day, reflecting intense buying interest.

The rally was not confined to gold alone; silver also experienced a monumental jump, soaring by ₹17,700 to reach a new record of ₹3.28 lakh per kilogram. Globally, gold prices mirrored this bullish sentiment, touching an all-time high near $4,725 per ounce. This meteoric rise across precious metals, including copper and platinum, is largely attributed to persistent safe-haven demand. Mounting global turmoil, escalating trade woes, and widespread geopolitical uncertainties have propelled investors towards traditional safe assets like gold, driving its price up by over 70% since President Donald Trump began his second term.

While the unprecedented surge benefits existing gold holders, it presents a complex scenario for India’s vibrant jewelry sector. Indian jewelers are reportedly grappling with soaring input costs, which are squeezing their profit margins significantly. For prospective buyers and investors, the key question remains: "Can investors still buy, or should they wait?" With gold smashing records, many are pondering if prices could touch the $5,000 mark internationally and whether precious metals will maintain these elevated levels throughout 2026. The current market sentiment suggests that as long as global tensions and uncertainties persist, gold's appeal as a safe haven is likely to remain strong, guiding investment decisions for the foreseeable future.