Highlights
Gold’s long-term supply and demand dynamics and several macro-economic factors ensured gold remained a sought-after asset in Q1 2011. Following a consolidation in January, gold ended the quarter on a firm footing.
The gold price rose by 2.4% during Q1 to US$1,439.00/oz by 31 March 2011, on the London PM fix, a more modest rise relative to average gains of 6.2% per quarter over the past two years.
By the end of Q1, ETFs held a total of 2,110.3 tonnes of gold worth US$97.6 billion, compared with the high of 2,167.4 tonnes at 31 December 2010, or US$97 billion – a modest net outflow in the quarter.
Central banks continued to be net buyers of gold in Q1 2011 with emerging market countries, including Russia and Bolivia, being among the key net buyers. As a group, the official sector holds 18% of all above ground stocks of gold.
Investor activity in the gold market during Q1 2011 differed by region. ETFs in the US and the UK experienced net redemptions on the back of year-end rebalancing and some profit-taking, while continental European and Indian investors increased allocations. Recent data shows a resumption of net inflows in the latter half of March and early part of April. Coin and bar purchases remained high, while activity in the futures and OTC markets was buoyant.
You may download the entire report here: Gold Investment Digest - World Gold Council
