Unveiling 2026’s “Outrageous Predictions”: Gold Surges, AI Leads, and a “Q-Day” Looms
Saxo Bank’s annual “Outrageous Predictions” report for 2026 offers a captivating look into low-probability, high-impact scenarios designed to ignite discussion about radical shifts. These thought experiments push the boundaries of imagination, suggesting a future far removed from current expectations.
One of the most dramatic predictions involves an unexpected “Q-Day” where quantum computers effortlessly breach current digital security. This scenario sees gold prices skyrocketing to five figures an ounce, becoming the ultimate password-free asset. While malicious actors swiftly exploit these vulnerabilities, companies struggle to update their infrastructure. Physical secure storage, new “unhackable” defense creators, and banks with robust cash networks stand to benefit, while cryptocurrencies face a devastating collapse as Bitcoin’s value plummets to near zero.
Another fascinating forecast centers on the potential economic ripple effect of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s hypothetical marriage. This event could trigger a societal shift away from smartphones and towards family formation, leading to a boom in birth rates and offline activities. Consequently, online giants like Meta and Google might see slowed growth, while the housing, construction, and renovation sectors experience a surge. The IMF and World Bank could even revise global GDP growth forecasts upward by over one percentage point annually.
Other scenarios include a smooth 2026 US midterm election despite initial anxieties, driven by an awakened independent voter base demanding reforms. This context sees declining trust in social media due to AI-generated “garbage” content and deepfakes, impacting social media stock values. Saxo also envisions obesity-fighting GLP-1 drugs revolutionizing healthcare and even veterinary medicine with “OzemPup” and “WeeKitt,” boosting fast fashion retailers. SpaceX is predicted to go public with a valuation over $1 trillion, sparking a true space economy with orbital manufacturing and lunar land auctions.
A particularly intriguing prediction sees an AI model becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, leading with efficiency and “without ego,” prompting competitors to follow suit. Conversely, another scenario warns of a massive AI agent crash, causing market collapse, reporting errors, and even fatal industrial accidents due to erroneous AI commands. This would lead to a new era of “AI janitors” – elite programmers tasked with identifying and neutralizing systemic flaws. Finally, China’s gold reserves are projected to surpass the US, leading to an offshore yuan pegged to gold, significantly diminishing the dollar’s global hegemony.
