12 September 2024
China’s gold market in August showed mixed signals, with the LBMA Gold Price AM in USD rising 4.3% while the Shanghai Gold Benchmark PM in RMB increased by only 1.7%. Gold withdrawals from the Shanghai Gold Exchange increased month-over-month but fell year-over-year, reflecting weak local demand despite seasonal factors. Chinese gold ETFs experienced their first monthly outflow since November 2023, likely due to profit-taking. However, gold futures volumes on the Shanghai Futures Exchange reached their highest level since April. Looking ahead, seasonal demand may improve, but economic challenges and high gold prices could continue to limit consumption, while investment demand remains price-dependent.