Flows shift from flood to trickle

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw modest outflows in May, shedding US$2bn as investors remained largely sidelined. Europe was the only region to record inflows (+US$334mn), while Asia (-US$1.2bn) and North America (-US$1.1bn) led outflows. The May decline pushed global gold ETFs’ total AUM 2% lower in the month to US$604bn. Meanwhile, holdings edged down to 4,121t, remaining just below the February peak of 4,176t.

The West returns to the fold

Global physically backed gold ETFs returned to inflows in April, adding US$6.6bn. All regions contributed, led by Europe (+US$3.7bn), with Asia (+US$1.8bn) and North America (+US$1bn) also recording notable inflows. Inflows into funds listed in other regions totalled US$106mn.

Inflows supported by opposite shores

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw another solid month in February, adding US$5.3bn – cementing the strongest two‑month start on record. North America led inflows (+US$4.7bn), Asia stayed firm (+US$2.3bn), while Europe (-US$1.8bn) lagged amid early‑month redemptions linked to the late-January precious metals sell-off.

Flows surge despite price pullback

Global physically backed gold ETFs posted a record month in January, attracting US$18.7bn as all regions reported positive flows. North America (+US$6.8bn) and Asia (+US$9.6bn) led global demand: Asia marking its strongest month ever and accounting for over half of global inflows.

Asia takes the helm

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw inflows six months in a row, adding US$5.2bn in November. Asian investors (+US$3.2bn) bought the most whilst North America (+US$1.1bn) and Europe (US$978mn) also experienced positive flows. Persistent inflows and a rising gold price pushed global gold ETFs’ total AUM to another month-end peak of US$530bn, 5% higher m/m. Continued gold ETF buying also pushed their collective holdings to 3,932t, the highest month-end value on record.

Flows rise from Wall Street to the Bund

Global physically backed gold ETFs added US$8.2bn in October, the fifth consecutive monthly inflow. North America (+US$6.5bn) and Asia (US$+6.1bn) led global inflows, while European funds lost US$4.5bn, the only region with outflows in the month. Continued inflows and gold price strength lifted global gold ETFs’ total AUM 6% higher m/m to US$503bn, another month-end peak, and holdings climbed 1% m/m to 3,893t, 1% away from the record level of 3,929t.

West won’t rest – Q3 breaks records

Global physically backed gold ETFs recorded their largest monthly inflow in September (US$17bn), resulting in the strongest quarter on record of US$26bn. North American (US$10.6bn) and European funds (US$4.4bn) drove the bulk of inflows. Followed by Asia (US$2.1bn) and other regions (US$175mn). Supported by a rallying gold price, global gold ETFs’ total AUM rose 23% q/q to US$472bn, reaching another record, and holdings rose 6% q/q to 3,838t.

Risks channel August inflows West

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw inflows three months in a row, adding US$5.5bn in August. North American and European funds led inflows while Asia experienced continued outflows. Supported by continued inflows and a higher gold price, global gold ETFs’ total AUM rose 5% to US$407bn, another month-end record. Meanwhile, holdings rebounded 53t to 3,692t.