Research library

In this edition, Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England from 2003 to 2013, discusses global economic prospects, the limits of monetary policy and the role of gold in a world dominated by ‘radical uncertainty.’

Gold demand reached 1,290 tonnes Q1 2016, a 21% increase year-on-year, making it the second largest quarter on record.

The gold price staged a spectacular rally in the first quarter of this year, rising by 17% in US dollar terms. This was its best performance in almost three decades, significantly outperforming other major stock, bond and commodity indices.

We have entered a new and unprecedented phase in monetary policy. Central banks in Europe and Japan have now implemented Negative Interest Rate Policies (NIRP) to counteract deflationary pressures and, in some cases, currency appreciation.

Third quarter gold demand rose by 8% year-on-year, reaching a two-year high of 1,120.9 tonnes. Q3 2015 was a period of two distinct halves: ETF outflows contributed to a price dip in July, which boosted consumer demand around the world.

Alistair Hewitt, Head of Market Intelligence and Krishan Gopaul discuss the findings of the World Gold Council’s Q3 2015 Gold Demand Trends report.

Alistair Hewitt, Head of Market Intelligence is interviewed on the findings of the World Gold Council’s Q2 2015 Gold Demand Trends report.

Alistair Hewitt, Head of Market Intelligence is interviewed on the findings of the World Gold Council’s Q1 2015 Gold Demand Trends report

The contrast between the global picture and the more granular demand data clearly demonstrates the multi-faceted nature of the gold market. The numerous and varying roles that gold plays means it responds to different cues in different ways.