Gold, the timeless asset that has captivated investors and even movie villains alike, is in the spotlight once again. According to Citigroup, gold prices are expected to climb significantly, potentially reaching as high as $3,000 per ounce within the next one to one-and-a-half years. Investors are advised to take note as this could represent a lucrative opportunity. The optimism stems from expectations that the US Federal Reserve might cut interest rates, which tends to drive investors towards gold. Despite a lackluster performance by gold ETFs in recent years, analysts predict a revival in their popularity as investors look to hedge against potential market volatility. Initial forecasts suggest gold prices may first stabilize at around $2,350 per ounce, before climbing to approximately $2,875 per ounce. Nikolai Dudchenko, an analyst at Finam, adds that in the long-term perspective, prices might even stabilize around $2,700 per ounce. Dudchenko cites geopolitical tensions and increased interest in precious metals by global regulators as key factors driving the uptrend, alongside speculative actions in the market. While there's always a possibility that prices could fluctuate, the long-term outlook remains optimistic.