Gold to average $930 in 2009, $975 next year

Gold prices are set for solid gains this year and next, keeping the $1,000 an ounce mark in sight, as inflation fears and a softer dollar outlook prompt analysts to ramp up forecasts, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday.

The poll of 48 analysts and traders showed that expectations for gold prices this year have risen 7.8 percent to a median $930 from $862.50 in a survey in January, when fears over the economic outlook were at their height.

Gold prices were seen rising further in 2010, with the median forecast climbing to $975 an ounce.

The median forecast for silver has risen 18 percent from forecasts given in January to an average of $13.59 an ounce.

Next year silver prices were on average expected to rise to $14.25 an ounce, the poll showed. This too was significantly above January's forecast for 2010 of $13.00 an ounce.