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The Guardian - AU

National

Jonathan Barrett Business editor

Sticky inflation, metal prices and the AI bubble risk: key trends to watch in the Australian economy in 2026

Inflation United States Australia Economy Gold silver David Bassanese

A worker handles one kilogram gold bars at the ABC Refinery smelter in Sydney. — A worker handles 1kg gold bars at the ABC Refinery smelter in Sydney. Gold prices are up by about 70% in US dollar terms over the year, with precious metals forecast to maintain their status in 2026. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Australian share market delivered a 6.8% return in 2025, representing a third consecutive year of gains in a volatile period marked by trade wars, reigniting inflation and fears of an artificial intelligence-fuelled bubble.

Here are three things to watch for in 2026.

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