Gold investment demand surged to a record in the first half of 2016 and overtook the previous high seen during the 2009 financial crisis on a “perfect storm” for gold according to the ‘Gold Demand Trends Q2 2016’ report which was released by the World Gold Council today.
Western investors especially in Europe saw the greatest increase in gold investment demand and Europe was the “largest market for gold bars and coins in Q2.”
Gold investment in Germany remained very robust and UK demand rise significantly from low levels as smart money diversified into gold ahead of the Brexit referendum. Japan also saw continuing robust demand due to concerns about the outlook for the Japanese economy, the debasement of the yen and negative interest rates in Japan.
U.S. gold investment demand also rose very significantly:
“First half demand for gold retail investment products was 75% higher than 2015, boosted by the sharp price increase. Sales of gold coins by the US Mint went through the roof. The number of 1oz Eagle coins sold in the first six months of 2015 more than doubled – to 405,000 from 198,500 in 2015 – and these coins were far more popular than smaller denomination (half- and quarter-oz) coins. Trade data also showed a huge influx in imports of gold coins from other countries.”
The World Gold Council said that geopolitical risks including the U.S. election, “the slowing pace of U.S. interest rate hikes” and ultra loose monetary policies led to a perfect storm for gold and gold investment:
“A ‘perfect storm’ of conditions in the gold market this year has pushed investment to historic levels. Demand of 448.4t was a near-record for second quarter investment, only lower than Q2 2010’s stellar 606t. Consequently, demand for bars, coins and ETFs during the six months to end-June reached a first half record of 1,063.9t, worth a value of US$41.6bn.”
Key findings regarding global gold demand in Q2 and H1 are
Importantly, for the first time ever something that we have flagged as likely to happen has taken place – for the first time, “investment has been the largest
component of gold demand for two consecutive quarters. And this has been in no small part due to demand from Western investors across the spectrum, from retail to institutional and for bars, coins and ETFs.”
The report is a leading industry resource for data on global gold demand. The quarterly publication examines demand trends by sector as well as geography.
It always gives good insights into the gold market and can be accessed here
Gold and Silver Bullion – News and Commentary
World gold demand up 15 pct in Q2 boosted by investment demand (Bulliondesk)
Gold investment at highest ever level – 16% above previous record (The Guardian)
Gold “bug”? You’re not alone as gold demand sets new record (CNBC)
Gold holds steady on weaker dollar (Reuters)
Gold prices trend weaker in Asia as investors eye dollar levels (Investing.com)
Gold Investors Bought Record Levels of Bullion During First Half (Bloomberg)
Silver ETF Returning 272% Says Party Not Over in Yieldless World (Bloomberg)
Gold fundamentals look supportive, but how is the technical picture? (News.Markets)
Will LME consolidate or fragment London’s bullion market? (Reuters)
Gold Prices (LBMA AM)
11Aug: USD 1,344.55, GBP 1,037.05 & EUR 1,206.06 per ounce
10Aug: USD 1,351.85, GBP 1,035.11 & EUR 1,209.23 per ounce
09Aug: USD 1,332.90, GBP 1,025.80 & EUR 1,201.74 per ounce
08Aug: USD 1,330.00, GBP 1,019.84 & EUR 1,198.86 per ounce
05Aug: USD 1,362.60, GBP 1,036.39 & EUR 1,222.53 per ounce
04Aug: USD 1,351.15, GBP 1,016.61 & EUR 1,213.87 per ounce
03Aug: USD 1,364.40, GBP 1,023.16 & EUR 1,218.96 per ounce
Silver Prices (LBMA)
11Aug: USD 20.21, GBP 15.56 & EUR 18.13 per ounce
10Aug: USD 20.34, GBP 15.55 & EUR 18.19 per ounce
09Aug: USD 19.70, GBP 15.18 & EUR 17.77 per ounce
08Aug: USD 19.66, GBP 15.04 & EUR 17.74 per ounce
05Aug: USD 20.22, GBP 15.36 & EUR 18.14 per ounce
04Aug: USD 20.16, GBP 15.25 & EUR 18.11 per ounce
03Aug: USD 20.59, GBP 15.43 & EUR 18.39 per ounce
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