The precious metal is performing well on the markets, due to customer concerns about the credit crunch-induced turbulence in the stocks and bonds markets.
It's known as the ultimate safe haven for assets in times of financial turmoil - but many private investors are unsure as to whether or not gold bullion will be in much demand over the year to come.
According to a poll from Barclays Stockbrokers, just 31 percent believe that the price of gold will increase further in 2009 from its present near-record highs. Gold prices have been climbing over recent months as part of the "flight to safety" among investors worried about the continuing effects of the credit crunch on the financial system.
The crisis has caused stock prices to retreat by roughly 50 percent worldwide, while bonds and cash have also been buffeted by unprecedented policy interventions from central banks. The precious metal, whose value is linked to a physical asset and therefore is a much safer investment, has directly benefitted from these events.
Barclays also found that 30 percent believe the gold price - which rose to an all-time peak of over $1,000 per troy ounce in February - has now "topped out" and will proceed to fall over the months to come. Another 18 percent expect the prices to remain roughly steady.
Barbara-Ann King, head of investment at Barclays Stockbrokers, said: "It is encouraging to see such a proportion of our investors bullish in their outlook for gold but there are options for both bull and bearish investors. For those investors who are confident and think gold prices will rise further, there is the option of adding to an existing investment, perhaps through a complementary product linked to gold."
The precious metal is currently trading at just under $940 per troy ounce.
