HSBC has revised its gold price forecast, predicting a short-term rise followed by a significant drop in 2025. Despite gold reaching record highs in May 2024, driven by safe haven demand, hedge fund purchases, and expectations of central bank rate cuts, HSBC analysts anticipate that positive real rates will eventually weigh on gold prices. While the bank has raised its 2024 average price forecast to $2,305/oz due to near-term strength, it has lowered its 2025 projection to $1,980/oz, suggesting a 12% decline from current levels. This forecast comes amid a complex market environment where strong OTC and real money investor purchases are offsetting ETF liquidations, but analysts believe the current bullish sentiment may be overstretched.