Gold Faces Longest Quarterly Decline in 13 Years Amid Rate Hike Concerns

Gold prices started to rise on Wednesday after a poor performance in the previous quarter. This change is significant as gold had its worst quarter in 13 years by June 30.

In the first half of 2026, gold prices were low but improved in early afternoon trading. Gold futures reached $4,041.30. At the same time, spot prices went up by 0.49% to $4,025.89. Earlier this year, gold hit a record high of $5,586.20, but demand has fallen due to concerns about rising interest rates.

Over a three-month period ending in June, gold lost around 16% of its value, marking its worst quarter since 2013. So far in 2026, gold has decreased by 7.76%.

Giovanni Staunovo, a commodity analyst at UBS, explained that gold’s usual appeal as a safe investment is losing strength because of stronger U.S. economic data and a stronger dollar. He noted that this pattern is not unusual during times of crisis.

Despite recent losses, the Amundi Investment Institute believes gold will remain important for investors. Changes in monetary policy, high public debt, and diversification from the dollar could increase gold demand in the future. The World Gold Council reports that many central banks plan to add to their gold reserves in the next year. Staunovo remains optimistic about gold’s outlook in the coming months.

How much do you know?

When did gold have its worst quarter in 13 years?

June 30, 2026

March 31, 2026

September 30, 2026

December 31, 2026

What was the spot price of gold noted in early afternoon trading?

$4,041.30

$4,025.89

$5,586.20

$3,500.00

By how much did gold lose its value over a three-month period ending in June?

16%

10%

7.76%

5%

What is the name of the commodity analyst at UBS mentioned in the text?

Giovanni Staunovo

John Doe

Michael Smith

Peter Parker

What record high did gold hit earlier in the year?

$4,041.30

$5,586.20

$4,025.89

$6,000.00

What organization reports that many central banks plan to add to their gold reserves?

World Bank

International Monetary Fund

World Gold Council

European Central Bank

Gold prices have remained constant throughout 2026.

True False

Giovanni Staunovo believes gold's appeal as a safe investment is decreasing due to stronger U.S. economic data.

True False

Gold decreased by 7.76% in the first half of 2026.

True False

The Amundi Investment Institute believes gold will become less important for investors in the future.

True False

Gold's worst quarter since 2013 occurred in 2026.

True False

Spot prices of gold went down by 0.49% in early afternoon trading.

True False

Gold had its worst quarter in 13 years by 30.

Gold futures reached $4,041.30 and spot prices went up by to $4,025.89.

Over a three-month period ending in June, gold lost around of its value.

Earlier this year, gold hit a record high of $5,586.20, but demand has fallen due to concerns about interest rates.

Changes in monetary policy, high public debt, and diversification from the dollar could increase gold in the future.

Staunovo remains optimistic about gold's in the coming months.

This question is required