The record-breaking surge in gold prices has dimmed the appeal of the retail jewellery demand. The drop in gold imports in January also indicates the pullback in demand.
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 17: As per the World Gold Council's report from January 2023, India stands as the world's second-largest consumer of gold, highlighting its deep cultural significance. Gold in India is far more than just an asset, it serves as a trusted source of immediat
Gold has witnessed a consistent upward trend since the beginning of February. On February 1, the price of 22K gold was Rs7,760 per gram, while 24K gold stood at Rs8,464 per gram.
This surge was driven primarily by strong central bank purchases and increased investment demand. The combination of record-breaking gold prices and high volumes resulted in an all-time high total value of demand, reaching USD 382 billion.
The government's decision last July to reduce import duties on gold has significantly had a positive impact on the industry, and any increase in tariffs in the upcoming Budget may have adverse effects, said World Gold Council.
The stock market volatilities have boost the investments in the gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in India, as the country witnessed its eighth consecutive month of inflows into ETFs in December 2024, the world Gold Council (WGC) stated in its commentary.
India's year-to-date purchased 73 tonnes of gold with a total gold reserves of 876 tonnes as on November end, making it the second-largest buyer of 2024 after Poland.
Market projections suggest gold may experience steady, albeit modest, growth in 2025. Key economic variables like global GDP, bond yields, and inflation indicate a stable environment, though risks remain.
Asian markets are leading the surge, bringing total assets under management (AUM) up by an impressive 33 per cent, as inflows this year have hit a substantial USD 4.7 billion.
Factors like de-dollarisation and geopolitical conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and escalating Middle Eastern tensions, continue to drive demand for gold as a stabilising asset, said Sachin Jain, Regional CEO India of the World Gold Council on Wednesday.