For millennia, gold has held a unique place in human history, cherished not only as one of the earliest known precious metals but also as a universal currency, a prized commodity, a dependable investment, and a symbol of enduring beauty.
London stands as the leading global clearing house for gold transactions.
Dubai operates under the UAE's liberalized gold regime.
New York is the hub for gold futures trading.
Zurich serves as a key center for physical gold transactions.
Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong act as gateways to major gold-consuming regions.
Tokyo, with TOCOM, influences the gold market dynamics in Japan.
Factors Influencing the Market
Gold demand surged to a decade-high of 3,812.2 tonnes, valued at $150 billion, due to several key factors:
Supply from above-ground sources, including central bank sales, reclaimed scrap, and official gold loans
Hedging activities by producers and miners
Global macroeconomic influences such as fluctuations in the US Dollar, interest rates, and major economic events
Commodity-specific developments, including new production facilities, unexpected mine or plant closures, and industry restructuring, which impact metal prices
In the UAE, gold demand is significantly affected by price levels and market volatility
Major Characteristics
Gold (symbol: XAU) functions mainly as a financial asset and secondarily as a commodity.
It is the world’s most ancient form of international currency.
A significant portion of global monetary reserves consists of gold.
Investment-wise, over two-thirds of gold’s total holdings are held by central banks, private investors, and in high-karat jewelry.
Less than one-third of gold is used as a commodity in jewelry and industrial applications, particularly in Western markets.
Demand and Supply Overview
Gold demand hit a decade-high of 3,812.2 tonnes, valued at $150 billion, due to:
Significant growth in jewelry consumption
The resurgence of the UAE market
A notable shift in the official sector, with central banks becoming net purchasers of gold for the first time in 21 years
Purity
Gold purity is assessed using karats and fineness:
Karat: Pure gold is classified as 24 karat.
New York is the hub for gold futures trading.
Fineness: This is measured in parts per thousand. For example, 18 karat gold equals 18 out of 24 parts, resulting in a fineness of 750.