Gold Market Primer: Market size and structure

Gold is an attractive means of helping investors diversify their portfolios. Its relative scarcity supports its long-term investment appeal. But its market size is large enough to make it relevant for a wide variety of investors, from individuals to institutions and central banks.

Gold the safe haven versus silver the wildcard

Gold and silver may fall under the same “precious metals” umbrella, but they behave very differently. Gold’s balanced demand, deep liquidity and lower volatility make it a steady diversifier that typically shines during market stress, while silver’s industrial- heavy profile and thinner market leave it more cyclically exposed and with a higher‑beta. For investors, that means gold tends to play the defensive anchor, with silver better suited as a tactical satellite that amplifies market moves. Together, they can complement each other, but they don’t serve the same role in a portfolio.

Why gold in 2026? A cross-asset perspective

The consensus narrative of a global economy that has proved “robust” in the face of tariffs and turmoil underestimates the very real risks that remain. Investors can and should recognise the monetary and fundamental forces that have driven markets higher – especially with more easing on the way in 2026. But stretched valuations and persistent macro risks demand caution, emphasising the need for diversified portfolios. As geopolitics and shifting US policies continue to impact asset allocation, we believe there should be a focus on quality assets, such as gold.

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.

Gold Market Commentary: Precious Metal Thunder

Gold tagged its 53rd all-time PM price high for the year of US$4,449/oz on 23 December, before closing the year at US$4,368/oz. It was a stellar finish to a stellar year – posting a December return of 4.2% to take the full year return to 67%. Relatively stable FX led to similar returns across major currencies.

Gold Demand Trends: Q3 2025

Quarterly gold demand rose to a record in tandem with the price.  Growth was primarily from accelerating investment demand, which accelerated on a powerful combination of safe haven buying in an uncertain geopolitical environment, US dollar weakness and investor “FOMO” as the price continued to climb.