Weekly Markets Monitor: Global gold demand at ATH
Last week, central banks across developed economies held policy rates and the new Fed Chair was nominated, while economic updates were mixed. US consumer confidence weakened even as earnings beat expectations; Eurozone GDP exceeded expectations; China’s manufacturing and service declined; and India and Europe finalized a trade deal.
Gold Demand Trends: US Focus Q4 and Full Year 2025
US gold demand more than doubled to 679t in 2025, driven almost entirely by strong investment demand in physically-gold‑backed ETFs. US‑listed ETFs added 437t of demand, pushing holdings to a record 2,019t (US$280bn AUM). Jewellery, technology, and bar‑and‑coin demand softened amid historically high gold prices, even as value‑based purchasing – particularly for jewellery – held relatively firm. Geopolitical uncertainty, rate expectations, and a weaker dollar supported strong investor appetite in 2025, reinforcing gold’s role as a strategic asset.
Gold Demand Trends: Q4 and Full Year 2025
Gold demand hit record levels in 2025. Total gold demand (including OTC) topped 5,000t during a year which saw 53 all-time highs in the gold price. Investment fuelled the gold market last year: safe haven and diversification motives drove huge ETF inflows and exceptional bar and coin buying.
Weekly Markets Monitor: yen does a 180° at 160
Last week was all about geopolitical tension over Greenland, which eased post Davos negotiations. US economic data signaled a healthy backdrop despite elevated inflation. Europe saw steady activity, Japan held rates but with a tightening bias, China’s recovery remained uneven.
Weekly Markets Monitor: Leaving the leaders
Last week, global markets were shaped by steady US inflation, resilient consumer demand, and fresh tariff threats. Europe saw economic recovery; China’s GDP grew at 5% in 2025, matching its pre-set target; Japan called a snap election, and India saw inflation tick up and trade deficit widen.
India gold market update: Enduring demand strength
The gold rally continues, driven largely by global uncertainty. Domestic demand remains resilient, supported by strong investment buying, while listed jewellery companies have reported healthy revenue growth in the October–December quarter. December witnessed unprecedented inflows into Indian gold ETFs, taking overall gold demand in 2025 to a historic high.
China gold market update: December demand rebounds
The RMB gold price recorded its strongest year since the SGE’s launch in 2002. Firm prices continued to attract inflows into gold ETFs in December, culminating in their best year on record. The PBoC also extended its buying streak to 14 consecutive months. However, weakness in the gold jewellery sector – despite a seasonal uptick in December – more than offset robust investment demand, weighing on overall wholesale gold demand in 2025.
Unearthed: Geopolitics, Volatility & the Case for Long-Term Gold Allocation
In this episode of Unearthed, John Reade and Joe Cavatoni, Senior Market Strategists at the World Gold Council, kick off the new year with an update on the state of the gold market, exploring the factors influencing gold prices, including geopolitical tensions and ongoing economic conditions.
