Group 1 - The European Central Bank's report indicates that by 2024, gold's share in global central bank reserves will rise to 20%, surpassing the euro's 16%, making it the second-largest reserve asset after the US dollar [1] - Central banks' demand for gold is projected to account for over 20% of global gold demand in 2024, significantly higher than the 10% average from 2010 to 2020 [1] - The net purchases of gold by central banks are expected to exceed 1000 tons for the third consecutive year in 2024, setting a historical record [1] Group 2 - Jewelry and investment in gold continue to dominate global gold demand, accounting for approximately 70%, remaining stable over the past three years [1] - A survey by the World Gold Council reveals that central banks primarily hold gold for diversification and as a hedge against economic risks such as inflation, cyclical downturns, and debt defaults [1] - Geopolitical factors have increasingly influenced central bank investments in gold, with one-quarter of emerging market central banks citing these factors as a primary driver for their gold holdings [1] Group 3 - Gold prices are expected to surge by approximately 30% in 2024, with the inflation-adjusted price exceeding the peak during the 1979 oil crisis [1] - Traditionally, gold is viewed as a hedge against fluctuations in real interest rates; however, since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the correlation between gold prices and real interest rates has been disrupted, with geopolitical risks becoming a significant factor affecting gold prices [1] Group 4 - Changes in gold supply are identified as a crucial variable for future gold price trends, with historical data suggesting that gold supply has previously responded elastically to rising demand [2] - An increase in official sector demand for gold reserves may lead to a further rise in global gold supply [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that global gold demand reached 1206 tons in Q1 2025, marking a 1% year-on-year increase and the highest level for a first quarter since 2016 [1] - Global gold investment demand surged to 551.9 tons, reflecting a significant year-on-year increase of 170% [1] - The demand for gold bars and coins was 325.4 tons, up 3% year-on-year, exceeding the five-year quarterly average by 15% [1] Group 2 - The net inflow into global gold ETFs was 226.5 tons, a substantial increase from 18.7 tons in the previous quarter, making it the primary driver of investment demand in Q1 [1] - In April alone, gold ETF inflows in Asia surpassed the total for the entire first quarter, indicating strong investor interest [1] - Despite the growth in ETF holdings, they remain 10% below the peak levels seen in 2020 [1] Group 3 - Global gold jewelry consumption fell by 21% year-on-year to 380.3 tons, the lowest level since 2020, despite a 9% increase in spending on gold jewelry [1] - Demand for technology gold remained stable at 80 tons compared to the same quarter last year [1] Group 4 - Central banks globally continued to increase their gold reserves, adding 244 tons in Q1 2025, marking the 16th consecutive year of net gold purchases [2] - Although this demand was down 21% year-on-year, it remained consistent with the average levels of the past three years [2] Group 5 - Total gold supply in Q1 was 1206 tons, with gold mine production at 855.7 tons, remaining flat year-on-year, and recycled gold totaling 345.3 tons, down 1% [2]