Core Insights - The global gold market experienced a significant increase in demand value, reaching a record $132 billion in Q2 2025, despite only a 3% increase in demand volume year-on-year [2] Group 1: Investment Demand - The primary driver of increased gold demand in Q2 was the investment sector, with both institutional investors and retail investors participating actively [3] - Global gold ETFs saw a substantial inflow, with holdings increasing by 170 tons in Q2 and a total of 397 tons in the first half of the year, marking the strongest performance since 2020 [3] - Retail demand for gold bars and coins rose by 11% year-on-year, with China and Europe being the main contributors, particularly China, where demand reached 115 tons, amounting to over 83 billion RMB [3][4] Group 2: Jewelry Demand - In contrast to investment demand, global gold jewelry demand fell by 14% year-on-year to 341 tons, while the monetary value of jewelry consumption increased by 21% to $36 billion [5] - The decline in jewelry volume is attributed to rising gold prices, with the average price in Q2 reaching $3,280 per ounce, a 40% increase year-on-year [6] - Consumers are increasingly viewing jewelry as an investment rather than a luxury item, with trends such as "old for new" exchanges and using jewelry as collateral for loans becoming more common [6] Group 3: Central Bank Purchases - Central banks globally net purchased 166 tons of gold in Q2, a decrease of 33% from the previous quarter, marking the lowest level since 2022 [7] - The slowdown in purchases is attributed to high gold prices, as central banks act rationally and avoid buying at peak prices [7] - Despite the decrease, the current purchasing levels are still 41% higher than the average quarterly levels from 2010 to 2021, indicating a sustained long-term interest in gold [7][8] Group 4: Future Outlook - Key variables to monitor for the gold market in the second half of the year include the performance of the US dollar, technological demand for gold, and potential changes in gold recycling rates [9] - The anticipated weakening of the dollar could lower the opportunity cost of holding gold, potentially attracting more investment [9] - The demand for gold in technology, particularly related to AI, may present new growth opportunities despite a general decline in technological gold usage [9] Group 5: Gold as a Safe Haven - Gold is viewed as a tool for managing uncertainty, serving as a risk diversification asset for institutions, a safety net for central banks, and a stabilizing component for individual investors [11] - The dynamics observed in the gold market reflect broader economic uncertainties and the varying strategies of different market participants in safeguarding their assets [11]

Group 1: Market Overview - In 2024, global gold demand reached a record high of 4,974 tons, a 20% increase year-on-year, with total consumption value exceeding $382 billion [1][10] - The average annual gold price rose to $2,386 per ounce, marking a 23% increase from 2023, the largest increase in nearly a decade [1][10] - Gold supply increased by 1% year-on-year, with gold mine production estimated to grow by 1%, while recycling supply surged by 11% [1][10] Group 2: Demand Dynamics - Jewelry and investment demand exhibited a contrasting trend; global jewelry consumption fell to a historic low of 1,877 tons, down 11% year-on-year, but the consumption value increased by 9% to $144 billion [2][25] - Investment demand was the primary driver, with total investment volume rising to 1,180 tons, a 25% increase year-on-year [2][48] - Central bank gold purchases exceeded 1,000 tons for the third consecutive year, with a net purchase of 1,045 tons in 2024, primarily from emerging market central banks [2][12] Group 3: Regional Insights - In China, jewelry demand declined by 24% to 479 tons due to economic slowdown and high gold prices, while India showed resilience with only a 2% decline in demand [25][33] - The Middle East and Turkey saw a rebound in demand in Q4, with an 18% quarter-on-quarter increase due to price corrections [2][35] - The U.S. experienced a continuous decline in jewelry demand for 11 consecutive quarters, reaching a five-year low, while European demand also fell to the lowest level since 2020 [39][40] Group 4: Future Outlook - The demand for gold in the technology sector is expected to grow by 7% to 326 tons in 2024, driven by the demand for AI hardware and 5G devices [3][12] - Investment demand is anticipated to remain strong in 2025, supported by central bank interest rate cuts and geopolitical uncertainties [3][12] - Jewelry consumption may face pressure from high gold prices, but the wedding season in India and recovery in emerging markets could provide some support [3][20]