North America dominates inflows

Global physically backed gold ETFs saw their fifth consecutive monthly inflow in September, attracting US$1.4bn. Inflows were concentrated in North America during the month while Europe was the only region that experienced outflows, albeit only mildly. Continuous inflows in recent months trimmed y-t-d outflows of global gold ETFs’ to flip positive to $389mn. It is worth noting that Europe is the only remaining region with y-t-d outflows.

Western demand strength persists

Global gold ETFs saw inflows four months on a trot, attracting US$2.1bn (+29t) in August. Once again, all regions experienced positive flows this month and Western gold ETFs led inflows. Non-stop inflows in recent months have narrowed global gold ETFs’ y-t-d losses to US$1.0bn (-44t). During the first eight months of 2024, Asia has registered the largest regional inflows (+US$3.5bn) while Europe (-US$3.4bn) and North America (-US$1.5bn) have witnessed notable outflows.

Flows turned positive in May

Physically backed gold ETFs saw their first monthly inflow since last May, amounting to US$529mn.  A stronger gold price (+2%) and inflows pushed gold ETFs’ total assets under management (AUM) 2% higher to US$234bn, the highest since April 2022.

Europe drove outflows in April

Global gold ETFs saw outflows of US$2.2bn in April, further extending aggregate losses to eleven consecutive months. Ultimately, North America (+US$124mn) and Asia (+US$1.5bn) were unable to offset sizable European outflows (-US$3.7bn) 

Outflows narrowed in March

Global gold ETFs lost US$823mn in March, extending their losing streak to ten months. But outflows narrowed significantly compared to previous months as inflows into North America (+US$360mn) and Asia (+US$217mn) cushioned European losses (-US$1.4bn).

Outflows sustained into February

Global gold ETFs saw their ninth consecutive outflow in February, losing US$2.9bn. North America (-US$2.4bn) bored the brunt of loss, while outflows from European funds (-US$719mn) narrowed. Funds listed in Asia extended their inflow streak to 12 months, adding US$200mn and the Other region experienced limited flow changes. 

2024 began with continued outflows

Global gold ETFs began 2024 with outflows of US$2.8bn in January, extending their losing streak to eight months. North American (-US$2.3bn) led global outflows and Europe (-US$730mn) also experienced heavy losses. A bright spot in the data came via positive inflows from Asia (+US$214mn).

December outflow compounds 2023 losses

Global physically backed gold ETFs continued to see outflows (-US$1bn, -10t) in December as European losses overshadowed inflows elsewhere. At the end of 2023, their collective holdings stood at 3,225t, a 244t decline during the year. But total assets under management of global gold ETFs rose 6% to US$214bn thanks to a 15% gold price increase in 2023.