Gold Market Structure and Trends

Last week, global developments were marked by inflationary pressures in advanced economies, uneven growth momentum, and a sharp escalation of geo-political tensions. US price pressures remained firm despite softer activity. Europe posted mixed inflation and patchy demand, China signaled cautious domestic demand, while India’s growth stayed robust. Escalating US–Israel–Iran tensions disrupted key energy and transport routes, heightening geopolitical and market risks. 2 March, 2026

Last week’s updates pointed to an uneven but resilient global economic backdrop and persistent policy uncertainty. The US economy slowed in Q4, the trade deficit widened, inflation firmed, Fed divisions emerged and the Supreme court blocked global tariffs. Europe and Japan showed improving momentum and easing price pressures, while in India activity stayed steady, though trade deficits widened sharply. 23 February, 2026

In this episode of Unearthed, hosts Joe Cavatoni and John Reade examine the shifting dynamics of China - the world’s most important gold market for more than a decade.

19 February, 2026

Gold prices scaled fresh highs before turning volatile and are now moving in a holding pattern. The firm price trend supported steady demand across jewellery and investment products, with gold ETFs hitting key milestones in January amid record inflows, holdings and participation. Digital gold purchases surged to new highs, RBI gold holdings edged up slightly, and imports rose, driven largely by strong investment demand 17 February, 2026

Global data last week delivered a mixed set of signals. Stronger headline job gains and sticky inflation in the US dampened prospects for near-term Fed easing, even as weak retail sales and sizeable downward payroll revisions signaled softer underlying momentum. Europe’s growth diverged with the UK stagnating and the Eurozone steady, while in Asia Japan’s real wages remained under pressure, China’s weak demand and property slump persisted, and India’s inflation climbed. 16 February, 2026

The local gold price kicked 2026 off with its strongest January on record. And while it pulled back sharply in late January and early February, gold bounced back since. In January, investment demand benefited from the powerful gold price rally – bullion sales at gold stores surged and Chinese gold ETFs’ holdings expanded sizably. Meanwhile, the PBoC keeps reporting gold purchases, further boosting retail investors’ interest. Gold jewellery demand also improved amid retailers’ pre-Chinese New Year holiday restocking. 

12 February, 2026

Last week’s data showed US growth holding up despite a softening labor market, improving momentum in China, and weakness in Europe and Japan.

9 February, 2026

5 February, 2026