China’s gold market in July: gold reserves rise for the ninth consecutive month, wholesale demand tepid
Outflows decelerated in July
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.
Gold Demand Trends Q2 2023
Central bank buying slowed in Q2 but remained resolutely positive. This, combined with healthy investment and resilient jewellery demand, created a supportive environment for gold prices.
China’s gold market in June: wholesale demand stable and gold reserves up
Despite June weakness, the LBMA Gold Price AM in USD and the Shanghai Gold Benchmark PM (SHAUPM) in RMB ended the first half of 2023 higher by 5% and 9% respectively – the depreciation of RMB against the dollar over the period contributed to the significant difference.
Gold investment market and financialisation: India gold market series
India is one of the world’s largest gold bar and coin markets. Investment demand for gold is driven by its safe-haven appeal and the ability to convert these products into jewellery at a later stage.
Gold miners’ average AISC resumes rising trend in Q1’23 and reaches a new record high
Costs in the gold mining industry resumed their upward trajectory in the first quarter of this year. This followed a short-lived break in Q4’22, when gold miners’ average all-in sustaining costs (AISC) had fallen by 1% q/q. Prior to this, costs had risen for the past three consecutive quarters, stretching back to Q1’22.
The drivers behind gold’s June and H1 performance
Outflows result in H1 disinvestment
Global gold ETFs experienced net outflows of US$3.7bn (56t) in June, calling a halt to their three-month inflow streak. June’s outflow caused global gold ETF demand during H1 2023 to turn negative, leaving collective holdings of global gold ETFs at US$211bn (3,422t).
