International News
WGC Gold ETF Commentary : US leads multiyear record inflows
February in review
Global physically-backed gold ETFs1 saw significant inflows in February totaling US$9.4bn, the strongest since March 2022. North American flows flipped positive following two consecutive monthly outflows, recording one of its strongest months on record. Asian demand was also strong while European inflows narrowed. We have now seen three consecutive months of strong global inflows which, combined an upward trending gold price, have lifted total assets under management (AUM) to US$306bn, another month-end peak. Meanwhile, holdings rose to 3,353t, the highest month-end level since July 2023.
Highlights
- Global gold ETFs saw continued inflows during February as holdings across all regions grew.
- The third consecutive monthly inflows lifted global gold ETFs’ total AUM and collective holdings by 4.1% and 3.1% respectively in the month.
- Global gold trading volumes kept rising: OTC markets led the charge.
Regional overview
North American demand surged in February, adding US$6.8bn. This was the largest single month inflow for the region since July 2020 and the strongest February ever. As physical shipments into COMEX vaults from London and other markets made headlines, the positive gold market momentum also benefited North American gold ETFs.
But there were other important contributors. For instance, US Treasury rates trended down with various economic signals flashing red.3 Lower yields, alongside a weaker dollar, boded well for the gold price during most of the month – in fact, it reached nine new record highs in February before moving lower in the latter half.4 We believe reduced opportunity costs and a record-shattering gold price were key in attracting inflows. Moreover, a pullback in equity markets and fears of stagflation were also likely positive drivers of demand. Lastly, we have observed significant inflows triggered by gold ETFs’ options expiry, signalling further bullish sentiment from investors.
While we would not be surprised to see a slowdown in momentum, ongoing recession concerns and policy uncertainties – geopolitical and economic – will likely continue to provide a supportive floor for demand.
Gold trading volumes rise Trading activities across global gold markets increased in February, ending the month at roughly US$300bn/day on average. OTC trading, dominated by the LBMA, rose further, as dealers moved gold in response to the US tariff concerns. Gold futures trading volumes at COMEX were down while Shanghai Futures Exchange saw a sizable increase, given the strong local gold price performance. Additionally, gold ETF trading activities also rose, led by North America.
Türkiye’s jewellery exports soared to 861.6 million dollars in February, marking a significant 79.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).
Jewellery exports accounted for 4.1 percent of Türkiye’s total exports, with the sector boasting a diverse product portfolio. Gold jewellery and jewellery articles led the exports with a total value of 714.5 million dollars, while other notable product categories included unprocessed or semi-processed gold, silver items, cultured pearls, precious stones, and watches.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as Türkiye’s top market for jewellery exports, with shipments amounting to 411.7 million dollars in February. This positions the UAE as the most significant destination for Turkish jewellery. The USA, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Kyrgyzstan followed with exports valued at 56.6, 53.4, 45.2, and 43.5 million dollars, respectively.
Exports to the UAE saw an exceptional rise of 275 million dollars in February, with other countries, including Switzerland, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, and Belgium, also registering notable growth. Türkiye exported 40.9 million dollars’ worth of jewellery to Libya and 13.3 million dollars to Belgium, reflecting the sector’s expanding global reach.
On a provincial basis, Istanbul remains the epicentre of Türkiye’s jewellery exports, contributing 605.8 million dollars to the total in February. Other major contributors included Çorum with 228.2 million dollars, followed by Trabzon (13.8 million dollars), Kastamonu (7 million dollars), Sakarya (2.9 million dollars), and Ankara (1.6 million dollars).
The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a leading grading company in the lab-grown diamond market, has reported record financial performance for the calendar year (CY) 2024. The company achieved a 17% increase in revenue and a remarkable 29% growth in profit, driven largely by its dominant 65% share of the global lab-grown diamond grading market.
- Revenue: $120.8 million (INR 10.53 billion), marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year.
- Profit After Tax: $49 million (INR 4.27 billion), reflecting a substantial 29% year-over-year growth.
- Market Share: IGI continues to dominate the lab-grown diamond grading market with a 65% global share.
IGI’s strong financial performance has been supported by its market leadership and strategic business decisions. The company went public in December 2023 with an initial public offering (IPO) that valued IGI at $3.5 billion. This marked a significant valuation jump from its $570 million acquisition price when Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, took ownership in May 2023.
Eashwar Iyer, IGI’s Global Chief Financial Officer (CFO), emphasized the company’s operational strength and strategic execution, attributing the record revenue and profit growth to IGI’s ability to capitalize on market opportunities and strengthen its competitive position.
IGI’s robust financial performance underscores the expanding demand for lab-grown diamonds and the growing importance of reliable certification in the industry. The company’s continued leadership in this segment reinforces its credibility and positions it for sustained growth in the future.
IGI’s record-breaking financial results in 2024 highlight its dominant market position, successful strategic initiatives, and ability to drive profitability. With a strong financial foundation and continued expansion, IGI remains at the forefront of the lab-grown diamond grading industry, setting benchmarks for excellence and growth.
Alrosa has confirmed that it is suspending production at its low-margin mines amid what it calls a “deep crisis” in the industry. The sanctioned Russian miner said last November it was considering such a move, but would wait and see what happened to rough prices.
Mining at the Verkhne-Munskoye deposit’s Zapolyarny and Magnitny open pits will now be suspended from June 15, and at alluvial deposits in the Anabar River valley – Khara-Mas and Ochuos, operated by Alrosa’s subsidiary Almazy Anabara – from April 1.
The suspension of activity at all deposits producing under 1m carats will reduce direct costs by $107m (RUB 9bn) during the year, the company said in a statement. They account for 3 per cent of Alrosa’s total output.
Alrosa also said forecast production for 2025 would remain unchanged at 29m carats. Ore already mined at the smaller deposits would ore mined at the deposits continue to be milled until next year, it said.
Earlier this month Alrosa reported a 77 per cent slump in profits for 2024 (down to $223m) after G7 sanctions were tightened last March to include Russian goods regardless of where they were cut and polished. The company has said it could lay off some of its 35,000 workers and ii is expected to offload more of its diamonds to Gokhran, the state-run depository.
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