Global flows stay hot

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw strong inflows of US$8.6bn (92t) in March, bringing Q1 totals to US$21bn (226t)—the second strongest quarter on record. North America and Europe drove 83% of net inflows in the quarter. Boosted by rising gold prices and strong inflows, global AUM hit a record US$345bn, with holdings (3,445t) reaching their highest level since May 2023.

US leads multiyear record inflows

Global physically-backed gold ETFs reported their third consecutive month of inflows in February, totaling US$9.4bn, the strongest since March 2022. North American flows flipped positive, recording one of its strongest months on record. European inflows narrowed, while Asia registered strong demand. The total assets under management (AUM) rose to US$306bn, another month-end peak. 

Europe sees largest inflow in years

Gold ETFs kicked 2025 off with a strong start: all regions saw inflows during January except North America. Europe dominated inflows, marking the strongest month since March 2022. Continued inflows and a record-breaking gold price sent total assets under management to US$294bn, another month-end peak.

Gold Demand Trends: Full Year 2024

Central bank buying – which topped 1,000t for the third year in a row – along with a return of Western ETF investment lifted gold demand to a record of 4,974t (US$382bn). The gold price reached multiple record highs during the year, which weighed on global jewellery consumption.

First positive December since 2019

Gold ETFs booked their first annual inflow in four years, and in December recorded US$778mn in inflows, due to increased demand in Asia and Europe. Global gold ETF inflows pushed total AUM to a record high US$271bn, while collective holdings fell slightly (-0.2%) in 2024.

Chinese gold market outlook 2025: Stabilising demand

So far in 2024, China's gold jewellery consumption weakened notably while investment demand for gold saw sizeable increases. Looking ahead, potential stability in the economy and possible further stimuli should help trim gold jewellery demand weakness, expected declines in yields and a likely weaker local currency may support gold investment demand.

November sees outflows again

Global physically backed gold ETFs reported a net loss for the first time in six months, losing US$2.1bn in November. Europe led outflows while North America recorded its fifth consecutive monthly inflow - albeit a smaller one - and stood as the only region to report positive flows during the month. 

Gold Market Commentary: Under pressure

The start of November saw gold pressured by higher opportunity costs and a Republican clean sweep. Stronger bond yields and US dollar, risk-on in equities, a boost to cryptocurrencies and quelling of geopolitical risk might see a near-term retracement in gold.

North America inflows go four-for-four

Global gold ETFs saw their sixth consecutive monthly inflow in October, adding US$4.3bn during the month. North America and Asia led global inflows while European remained the only region with outflows. October flipped y-t-d gold ETF demand to the positive territory (+18t) and pushed inflows during the first ten months of 2024 to US$4.7bn.