Holders and trends

Statistics covering ETF and central bank holdings, data on the attitudes of central banks, and a break-down of the above-ground stock of gold.

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Gold-backed ETF holdings grew 14% in 2019, reaching all-time highs

Global gold-backed ETFs and similar products had US$19.2bn, or 400 tonnes(t), of net inflows in 2019 in almost all countries, after holdings rebounded in December. Collective ETF holdings reached all-time highs of ~2,900t in the fourth quarter. Overall, global gold-backed assets under management (AUM) grew 37% in US dollars during the year as a result of positive demand combined with an 18.4% increase in the gold price. 

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2019 Central Bank Gold Reserve Survey

Central banks bought 651 tonnes of gold in 2018, the highest volume on record under the existing international monetary system. In the World Gold Council’s second annual Central Bank Gold Reserve Survey, we explore: the motivations behind these purchases; planned changes in reserve asset allocations; gold management strategies; and gold operations practices.

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Above-ground stocks

A breakdown of the above-ground stock of gold, including a time series of how it has evolved since 2010, and the latest year-end estimate of below-ground stocks.

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