403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Global Gold Demand Climbs to Near-Record Levels
(MENAFN) Global gold demand climbed 2 percent year on year to 1,231 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a historic surge in retail investment and steady central bank accumulation, the World Gold Council said Wednesday.
Demand for gold bars and coins rocketed 42 percent year on year to 474 tonnes — the second-highest quarterly total ever recorded — as Asian investors aggressively snapped up gold investment products, according to the council's report.
Jewelry consumption told a more nuanced story: volume fell 23 percent to 300 tonnes, yet overall spending on gold jewelry climbed 31 percent, signaling that consumers are paying sharply higher prices without abandoning the market altogether.
Central banks showed no signs of retreat either, collectively adding 244 tonnes to global gold reserves during the quarter — a continued vote of confidence in the metal as a strategic reserve asset.
Even the technology sector contributed to the rally, with gold used in tech applications edging 1 percent higher to 82 tonnes, propelled largely by accelerating investment in AI infrastructure.
On the supply side, total gold supply also rose 2 percent to 1,231 tonnes, with the World Gold Council attributing the gain to moderate growth in mine production alongside a 5 percent uptick in recycling activity.
Demand for gold bars and coins rocketed 42 percent year on year to 474 tonnes — the second-highest quarterly total ever recorded — as Asian investors aggressively snapped up gold investment products, according to the council's report.
Jewelry consumption told a more nuanced story: volume fell 23 percent to 300 tonnes, yet overall spending on gold jewelry climbed 31 percent, signaling that consumers are paying sharply higher prices without abandoning the market altogether.
Central banks showed no signs of retreat either, collectively adding 244 tonnes to global gold reserves during the quarter — a continued vote of confidence in the metal as a strategic reserve asset.
Even the technology sector contributed to the rally, with gold used in tech applications edging 1 percent higher to 82 tonnes, propelled largely by accelerating investment in AI infrastructure.
On the supply side, total gold supply also rose 2 percent to 1,231 tonnes, with the World Gold Council attributing the gain to moderate growth in mine production alongside a 5 percent uptick in recycling activity.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Most popular stories
Market Research
More Story
Comments
No comment