Featured Report
Western demand strength persists
Global gold ETFs saw inflows four months on a trot, attracting US$2.1bn (+29t) in August. Once again, all regions experienced positive flows this month and Western gold ETFs led inflows. Non-stop inflows in recent months have narrowed global gold ETFs’ y-t-d losses to US$1.0bn (-44t). During the first eight months of 2024, Asia has registered the largest regional inflows (+US$3.5bn) while Europe (-US$3.4bn) and North America (-US$1.5bn) have witnessed notable outflows.
Western activity picked up in July
Global physically-backed gold ETFs have now seen inflows three months in a row, adding US$3.7bn in July. Notably, all regions reported positive flows this month with Western gold ETFs contributing the most.
Gold Demand Trends Q2 2024
Gold reached record highs in the second quarter, driven by a combination of continued central bank buying, strong OTC investment and an upturn in Western ETF inflows later in the quarter. Conversely, the high price environment took its toll on jewellery consumption. Total global gold demand, including OTC investment, was 6% higher y/y at 1,258t.
Sustained inflows in June narrowed H1 losses
Global physically backed gold ETFs witnessed their second consecutive monthly inflows, attracting US$1.4bn in June. Inflows were widespread, with all regions seeing positive gains except for North America which experienced mild losses for a second month.
Flows turned positive in May
Physically backed gold ETFs saw their first monthly inflow since last May, amounting to US$529mn. A stronger gold price (+2%) and inflows pushed gold ETFs’ total assets under management (AUM) 2% higher to US$234bn, the highest since April 2022.
Gold Market Commentary: As the buck stops, more bite for gold
Gold posted a third consecutive monthly gain in May, rising by 2% m/m to US$2,348/oz. Despite the more moderate gain compared to March and April, gold hit a new all-time high of US$2,427/oz mid-month before pulling back – likely reflecting some profit taking.
Europe drove outflows in April
Global gold ETFs saw outflows of US$2.2bn in April, further extending aggregate losses to eleven consecutive months. Ultimately, North America (+US$124mn) and Asia (+US$1.5bn) were unable to offset sizable European outflows (-US$3.7bn)
Gold Demand Trends Q1 2024
Central banks continued to buy gold at pace in a quarter that saw the gold price reach a series of record highs. Bar and coin investment was firmer, offsetting continued outflows from ETFs. Inclusive of sizable OTC buying by investors, total gold demand increased 3% y/y to 1,238t – the strongest first quarter since 2016.
Outflows narrowed in March
Global gold ETFs lost US$823mn in March, extending their losing streak to ten months. But outflows narrowed significantly compared to previous months as inflows into North America (+US$360mn) and Asia (+US$217mn) cushioned European losses (-US$1.4bn).
Outflows sustained into February
Global gold ETFs saw their ninth consecutive outflow in February, losing US$2.9bn. North America (-US$2.4bn) bored the brunt of loss, while outflows from European funds (-US$719mn) narrowed. Funds listed in Asia extended their inflow streak to 12 months, adding US$200mn and the Other region experienced limited flow changes.
