Why Gold is Winning the Belgian Vote
The shift toward gold isn't just about tradition; it’s a calculated response to the specific economic pressures of 2026.
Market Skepticism: Roughly one-third of Belgian investors anticipate a stock market correction of at least 10%this year.
In this climate of "fear over FOMO," gold’s 5,000-year track record as a safe haven outweighs the allure of crypto’s potential gains. Geopolitical and Institutional Trust: With 2026 marked by investigations into major central banks (such as the Federal Reserve) and ongoing trade tensions, the "neutrality" of gold—an asset that belongs to no single government—is its strongest selling point.
Regional Cultural Shifts: Interestingly, the preference is strongest among French-speaking Belgians (34%), whereas Dutch-speaking investors show a slightly higher appetite for equities.
The Crypto Contrast: 28% vs. 9%
While "Digital Gold" (Bitcoin) remains a hot topic globally, it currently trails significantly in the Belgian consensus. Only 9% of Belgian investors cited cryptocurrency as their top pick for 2026.
The Generational Divide: It's worth noting that among investors under 35, the story changes. For this group, gold drops to fourth place, while shares (25%) and crypto (17%) take the lead. This suggests that while gold is the current "king" of the 2026 Belgian market, a digital transition is brewing in the younger demographic.
Strategic Outlook for 2026
Analysts, including those at J.P. Morgan and ING, suggest that the "Gold vs. Crypto" debate is increasingly being viewed not as an either/or choice, but as a balance.
Gold as the Shield: Used to weather the predicted 2026 volatility and protect against currency debasement.
Crypto as the Spear: Used by a smaller, younger subset of the population to capture "asymmetric upside" if the digital economy continues its rapid expansion.
For the 28% of Belgians choosing gold, 2026 is a year to prioritize certainty over speculation.