
Featured Report
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).
Global gold ETFs saw the third consecutive monthly inflow of US$1.7bn, primarily driven by the gold price strength in early May and uncertainties around the US debt ceiling negotiations. May took y-t-d global gold ETF flows to positive territory at US$1bn, led by North American funds.
Global gold ETFs continued to see positive demand in April: net inflows totalled US$824mn while holdings increased 15t. North American funds led global inflows, adding nearly US$1bn. Fund flows in Europe turned negative again in the month (-US$223mn), led by Germany.
Continued momentum in central bank buying and resurgent Chinese consumer demand contrasted with a negative contribution from ETFs and weakness in India.
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.
Global physically backed gold ETFs saw net inflows of US$1.9bn in March - the first inflows for ten months - as the banking crisis fuelled demand. But the recent inflows were not enough to prevent a net quarterly outflow of US$1.5bn. Regionally, European funds accounted for the bulk of the global outflows in Q1.
Gold, in Australian dollars (AUD), delivered positive returns in 2022 and so far in 2023. And it has attracted attention: while global central banks bought a record level of gold in 2022, Australia’s sovereign wealth fund also added gold to its portfolio.
Global physical gold ETFs saw another outflow of US$1.7bn (-34t, 1.0%), their tenth consecutive monthly loss. Outflows were widespread, with the exception of funds in the Other region.
A falling US dollar was a significant contributor to gold’s 6.1% return in January and another positive ‘unexplained’ factor could be continued central bank buying or expectations thereof. Gold futures have also helped support the rally and, looking forward, we expect North American gold ETFs to continue seeing positive demand in coming weeks as historical analysis shows that positioning in futures tends to lead ETFs flows by two weeks.