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WGC  Q1 2025 Gold Demand Trends: surging gold ETFs fuel Q1 demand

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The World Gold Council’s Q1 2025 Gold Demand Trends report reveals total quarterly gold demand (including OTC1) was 1,206t, a 1% increase year-on-year, in a record high price environment, in which gold surpassed US$3,000/oz.

The gold ETF revival fuelled a more-than doubling of total investment demand to 552t, a 170% year-on-year increase and the highest since Q1 2022. ETF inflows accelerated around the world, totalling 226t in the first quarter as price momentum and tariff policy uncertainty drove investors to gold as a safe haven.

Total bar and coin demand increased 3% y/y, remaining elevated at 325t during Q1, spurred by a surge of retail investment in China, which posted its second-highest quarter on record. Eastern investors drove much of the global demand for bar and coin, offsetting Western weakness as appetite in the US dropped 22% year-on-year, alongside a modest 12t recovery in Europe, but from a very low base in the same quarter last year.

Central Banks are now entering their 16th consecutive year of net-buying, adding 244t to global reserves in Q1 amidst ongoing global uncertainty. While this level of demand was 21% lower year-on-year, it remains robust and in line with the quarterly average for the last three years of sustained, strong buying.

Unsurprisingly, jewellery demand was negatively impacted as gold hit 20 all-time price highs in Q1. Volumes reached their lowest point since demand was stifled by the COVID pandemic in 2020. However, the jewellery market remained relatively resilient, especially in value terms, given extreme price pressures. The first quarter saw a 9% year-on-year increase in consumer spending to US$35bn with every market except China seeing an increase in the value of gold jewellery demand.

Total gold supply was relatively flat year-on-year, at 1,206t in the first quarter as record Q1 mine production was offset by slightly lower recycling. Technology demand was also stable at 80t, compared to Q1 2024.

Louise Street, Senior Markets Analyst at the World Gold Council, commented: “It’s been a bumpy start to the year for global markets as trade turmoil, unpredictable US policy announcements, sustained geopolitical tensions and a return of recessionary fears have created a highly uncertain environment for investors. In this context, investment demand for gold has paved the way for the highest level of first quarter demand since 2019.

“Over the past 10 months investors have returned to gold ETFs, ramping up their allocations since Q3 last year, and already in April, Asian inflows have stormed past their Q1 total. However, there is still room for growth, with global gold ETF holdings sitting 10% below their 2020 high.

“Looking ahead, the broader economic landscape remains difficult to predict, and that uncertainty could provide upside potential for gold. As turbulent times persist, safe haven demand for gold from institutions, individuals and the official sector could climb higher in the months to come.”

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International News

Chow Tai Fook Boosts Profitability in FY2025 Despite Revenue Decline Amid Gold Price Pressures

Operating profit climbs nearly 10% on stronger margins and premium brand strategy, even as revenue falls 18%; fixed-price gold and digital retail channels drive resilience.

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Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Ltd. delivered a resilient performance in FY2025, with operating profit rising 9.8% year-on-year to HK$14.75 billion, even as revenue declined 17.5% to HK$89.66 billion due to high gold prices and a sluggish macroeconomic environment.

The company’s ongoing brand transformation helped offset the top-line pressure, with the launch of five new premium-format stores in Mainland China and Hong Kong contributing to a 400 basis point expansion in operating margin, which reached 16.4%. Gross profit margin also improved to 29.5%, driven by a stronger product mix and growing demand for fixed-price gold jewellery.

While net profit attributable to shareholders fell 9% to HK$5.92 billion—largely due to revaluation losses on gold loan contracts—the group maintained a generous dividend payout ratio of 87.8%, declaring a full-year dividend of HK$0.52 per share.

Chairman Dr. Henry Cheng commented, “We are making significant progress in our brand transformation journey. Despite external headwinds, we continue to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and see exciting opportunities for growth across China and beyond. Innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural pride remain central to our identity.”

A standout in FY2025 was the remarkable growth in fixed-price gold jewellery, with sales soaring 105.5% year-on-year. These products now account for 19.2% of Mainland China’s gold jewellery revenue. Signature collections such as CTF Rouge and the Palace Museum collaboration each recorded over HK$4 billion in sales.

The group also accelerated its digital retail strategy. Livestreaming and e-commerce accounted for 5.8% of retail sales value in Mainland China, while online sales in Hong Kong and Macau surged 91%, driven by a revamped website and successful IP-based product collaborations.

Looking ahead to FY2026, Chow Tai Fook expects to benefit from continued brand evolution, improving market sentiment, and disciplined cost management, positioning the company for sustainable, quality-led growth.

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International News

Gold prices jump near record high as Israel-Iran conflict escalates

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Gold prices rose sharply on Friday, June 13, 2025, coming close to their all-time high. This came after Israel launched a major military attack on Iran, hitting important nuclear and military sites. In response, Iran sent over 100 drones toward Israel, causing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Gold prices remain firm as markets focus on Israel’s attacks on Iran.

XAU/USD continues to climb, with prices holding firm above $3,400 while US equities and risk assets plunge. Michigan consumer sentiment and expectations beat estimates, with inflation expectations falling. But ‘risk-off’ tone remains.

Because of these rising tensions, many investors rushed to buy gold, which is often seen as a safe place to put money during uncertain times. This demand pushed spot gold prices up to $3,417.10 per ounce, and gold futures for August delivery to $3,436.90—both near their previous record highs of around $3,500 reached in April 2025.

At the same time, new data showed that inflation in the U.S. is slowing down. This has increased hopes that the U.S. Federal Reserve might lower interest rates soon, which also supports gold prices.

In short, the mix of Middle East conflict and signs of lower U.S. inflation is making gold more attractive to investors looking for stability during uncertain times.

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International News

Swarovski Unveils Octagon Collection Featuring Exclusive Diamond Cut

New fine jewelry line showcases patented octagon-shaped lab-grown diamonds, merging precision craftsmanship with modern elegance.

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Swarovski has introduced its latest fine jewelry line, the Octagon Collection, centered around a proprietary, patented diamond cut inspired by the brand’s iconic logo. Conceived by Swarovski’s Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the octagon-shaped cut is a fresh symbol of the brand’s evolving design legacy.

At the heart of the collection is the Swarovski Octagon Cut, boasting 57 precisely engineered facets—32 on the pavilion, 24 on the crown, and one on the table. This unique structure is designed to offer enhanced brilliance and light performance, outshining traditional emerald and baguette cuts.

The Octagon Collection features ten elegant pieces, including bezel-set laboratory-grown diamonds paired with precious metals. Highlights of the collection include a pendant in white or yellow gold, mini hoop earrings in yellow gold, white gold stud earrings, a yellow gold bracelet, and a variety of ring styles—such as solitaire rings in vertical and horizontal settings and a band ring, all offered in both white and yellow gold.

Swarovski described the new line as “a new chapter in Swarovski savoir-faire,” noting that the Octagon cut and its debut collection “balance the timeless elegance of laboratory-grown diamonds with distinctive designs, created to illuminate life’s most meaningful moments—from personal milestones to lasting commitments.”

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