GLD's $141 Billion Rally Hinges on Continued Central Bank Buying

Core Insights - Precious metals, particularly gold, have shown significant performance in 2025, with the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) achieving a 62% gain, raising questions about the sustainability of this rally [1] - The rally is driven by structural factors, notably central bank purchases, rather than retail sentiment or inflation concerns [3] Central Bank Activity - Central banks purchased 53 tonnes of gold in October 2025, totaling 254 tonnes year-to-date, indicating a strategic shift in reserves rather than opportunistic trading [3] - Poland added 16 tonnes to its reserves, while Brazil continued its buying trend, highlighting ongoing institutional interest [3] Market Signals - Monitoring central bank statistics is crucial; a slowdown in purchases from emerging markets could indicate waning confidence, while increased buying from new entrants would reinforce demand [4] - The Federal Reserve's guidance has also influenced gold prices, with forecasts suggesting gold could reach $4,900 per ounce by the end of 2026 due to persistent demand and macroeconomic uncertainty [5] Investment Alternatives - The iShares Gold Trust (IAU) offers a lower-cost alternative to GLD, with a 0.25% expense ratio compared to GLD's 0.40%, resulting in better long-term returns for buy-and-hold investors [6] - GLD's larger asset base of $141 billion compared to IAU's $32 billion makes it more suitable for large or frequent trades [6] Future Outlook - The key macro factor for GLD's performance in the next 12 months is whether central bank buying remains above 50 tonnes monthly [7]