Gold Just Tumbled Into its First Bear Market Since 2022. Here's What Investors Need to Know.

Gold has entered bear market territory, declining over 25% from its January 2026 all-time high of $5,608.35 per ounce. The sell-off is driven by sticky inflation forcing the Federal Reserve to delay rate cuts, causing investors to pivot toward yield-bearing Treasury bonds over non-interest-bearing assets like gold. While gold miners face near-term headwinds from lower projected production and falling prices, the correction presents a buying opportunity for long-term bullish investors.