The high volatility in the gold and silver markets at the beginning of 2026, with prices reaching historic highs due to geopolitical uncertainties, has driven transaction volumes, exceeding $1.3 billion in contracts, but generating sharp corrections. The tokens linked to these metals, part of the rise of RWA (Real World Assets), have seen exponential growth and market value increases of 14.96%. However, the underlying volatility increases the risk of rapid losses and exposure to blockchain security.
Impact of Volatility on Metals and Their Tokens (RWA)
High Peaks and Corrections: Gold exceeded $5,300 per ounce and silver $100 at the beginning of 2026, with rapid fluctuations posing risks for short-term strategies.
Tokens (Digital Gold/Silver): Tokens representing precious metals have experienced an increase in their total market value, reflecting the rise of tokenization. Nevertheless, it has been observed that the volatility of these tokens can be similar to that of cryptocurrencies, not always acting as a safe haven in the short term.
Higher Volatility in Silver: Silver tends to be more volatile than gold, functioning as both an industrial and investment metal, which intensifies the risk of its tokens.
Specific Token Risks: Volatility is accompanied by risks of price manipulation, dependence on centralized platforms, and potential technological security vulnerabilities.
Paradigm Shift: Despite the volatility, gold and silver remain considered fundamental safe-haven assets, operating under a "durable assets regime" where the demand for digital gold grows amid economic uncertainty.
Investors in precious metal tokens should be aware that while they offer the advantage of immediacy and accessibility, they are not exempt from volatility, and at times, carry greater risks than physical metal.
