Cele mai mari achizitii de aur
Source: Financiarul.ro.
Global Gold Demand: Trends and Insights
The World Gold Council has revealed that significant gold purchases by central banks, a trend not seen since 1967, have led to a 4% increase in global demand for this precious metal last year.
Jewelry Demand Remains Steady
In the jewelry sector, gold demand remained relatively stable at 2,200 tons. While consumption surged in China, the United States, and Russia, this was offset by a notable decline in the Middle East and a slight decrease in India, the world’s second-largest consumer of gold.
Retail Investment Sees Growth
Retail investments in gold coins and bars rose by 4%, reaching 1,090.2 tons, driven by a remarkable 222% increase in demand from Iran, which totaled 62 tons, according to the World Gold Council (WGC).
Investor Interest Shifts
In 2018, investor interest in gold was relatively subdued, with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) adding only 68.9 tons to their holdings, a 67% decrease compared to 2017. However, the landscape began to shift in the last quarter of 2018 as rising economic uncertainties in China and other regions led to volatility in financial markets.
Gold as a Safe Haven
Traditionally viewed as a safe investment during periods of political and economic instability, global gold demand has not dipped below 4,000 tons annually since 2009.
Central Bank Purchases Expected to Remain High
WGC studies predict that central bank gold purchases will remain robust this year, alongside demand from the two largest markets, China and India, which are expected to consume between 90-100 tons and 750-850 tons of gold, respectively, in 2019.
Russia’s Rising Gold Reserves
Russia has surpassed China, now ranking fifth globally in gold reserves, as Western sanctions prompted its central bank to make record purchases in 2018. As of January 2019, the Central Bank of Russia held 67.9 million ounces of gold, up from 59.1 million at the beginning of 2018, placing it behind only the United States, Germany, France, and Italy.
European Nations Increasing Gold Holdings
European countries are also significantly increasing their gold reserves. The National Bank of Hungary (NBH) announced a tenfold increase in its gold holdings, aligning with its long-term economic strategy and the decision to repatriate its gold reserves.
Poland has added approximately nine tons to its gold reserves, marking its largest acquisition to date and one of the most substantial purchases by any EU member state.
Global Gold Consumption Statistics
According to the latest WGC report, global gold consumption reached 4,345.1 tons in 2018, up from 4,159.9 tons in 2017. The United States, holding the largest gold reserves globally at approximately 8,133 tons, contrasts with Romania, which maintains a reserve of about 104 tons.
