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Improving the Accuracy of Precious Metal Prices Forecasts When Used as Stabilization Assets

https://doi.org/10.26794/2587-5671-2026-30-4-97-112

Abstract

Precious metals are key elements of the asset class in the international financial market. They have a number of advantages: they are a valuable tool for preserving wealth, they are not at risk of default, and they provide effective protection against inflation. In addition, they are considered safe-haven assets during periods of unfavorable geopolitical conditions. The purpose of this research is to find methods for improving the accuracy of predicting the price of precious metals through the use of advanced machine learning models. The methodological basis is the concept of predicting the effectiveness of precious metals as a stabilizing asset (and a safe-haven asset) in the context of future financial instability. The research methodology is based on evaluating the effectiveness of machine learning models using information criteria such as AIC and BIC, determination coefficients R2 and Adj-R2, and RMSE and MAPE as measures of the closeness between the actual and predicted values of time series and error measures. The information base for this study was based on daily data on the prices of four precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium), provided by Investing.com. Given the increasing importance of precious metals as indicators of investor sentiment and the state of the global economy, and in light of the escalating geopolitical tensions from 2020 to 2025, we conducted a comparative analysis using modern machine learning models. The results obtained demonstrate the advantages of the KAN model as a promising tool for improving the accuracy of forecasts and the interpretability of results in various scenarios. This is highly significant for the development of an effective investment strategy in the precious metal markets.

About the Authors

E. F. Kireeva
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Elena F. Kireeva — Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Prof., Deputy Director of the Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Transformation and Financial Policy

Moscow


Competing Interests:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare



A. K. Karaev
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Alan K. Karaev — Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Prof., Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for Research on Socio-economic Transformation and Financial Policy

Moscow


Competing Interests:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare



V. V. Ponkratov
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Vadim V. Ponkratov — Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Director of the Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Transformation and Financial Policy

Moscow


Competing Interests:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare



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For citations:


Kireeva E.F., Karaev A.K., Ponkratov V.V. Improving the Accuracy of Precious Metal Prices Forecasts When Used as Stabilization Assets. Finance: Theory and Practice. 2026;30(4):97-112. https://doi.org/10.26794/2587-5671-2026-30-4-97-112

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