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

Can inflation be tamed without further interest rate hikes? And will the hot streak for gold and silver continue in 2026?

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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.