Gold Demand Trends Q3 2023
Central banks gold buying maintained a historic pace but fell short of the Q3’22 record. Jewellery demand softened slightly in the face of high gold prices, while the investment picture was mixed.
China’s gold market in September: local premium rocketed and demand continued to improve
The local gold price premium soared to unseen levels in September and the PBoC extended its gold reserve rising streak to 11 months.
Outflows accelerated in September
Physically-backed gold ETFs saw another monthly outflow, losing US$3bn, equivalent to a 59t reduction in holdings by the end of September. Total AUM settled at US$198bn, further impacted by a nearly 4% reduction in the gold price, while collective holdings dropped 2% to 3,282t.
2023 Chinese jewellery market insights: Gold continues to lead the market
As Chinese jewellery retailers shook off the pandemic, many strode into 2023 with strong expectations. But the recovery has been bumpy. In the face of economic uncertainties and the record-level renminbi (RMB) gold price, understanding current trends and future possibilities is fundamental to jewellers’ businesses.
The Chinese gold premium: has the dust settled on the record surge?
China’s local gold price premium has rocketed to previously unseen levels, reaching US$121/oz on 14 September. And August’s US$41/oz monthly average already marked a record since the Shanghai Gold Exchange’s establishment in 2002.
China’s gold market in August: demand improved on multiple fronts
Gold prices quoted in USD and RMB headed in different directions in August. Major factors including rising US Treasury yields and a strong dollar weighed on the international gold price in USD. But the Chinese currency weakness, which depreciated by 2% against the dollar in the month, led to a mild increase in the RMB gold price.
Outflows continued in August
Physically-backed gold ETFs saw net outflows of US$2.3bn in July, equivalent to a 34t reduction in holdings. Despite this, total assets under management (AUM) increased by 2% m/m to US$215bn as a rebound in gold price more than offset negative flows.
