Gold ETFs Return to Inflows as European and Asian Demand Rebounds

Global investors added about US$3 billion to gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in July, ending a two-month run of net outflows. The inflows lifted total assets under management 1 percent higher, to US$530 billion, and coincided with a 2 percent rise in spot prices, enough to end gold’s four-month decline. European and Asian buyers accounted for nearly all of the increase, while North America contributed only a modest share, restrained by higher yields and a strong dollar. That said, the renewed buying suggests that many investors are not fully convinced inflation is yesterday’s problem.

The July inflow lifted worldwide ETF holdings by 23 tonnes, to 4,068 tonnes, still below the 4,176-tonne all-time peak reached on 27 February. Year-to-date, investors have added US$11 billion, or 39 tonnes, a modest cushion in a year marked by volatile rate expectations. Europe supplied more than seventy percent of last month’s total, led by the United Kingdom with US$875 million and Switzerland with US$657 million. Both countries have now attracted more than US$2 billion apiece in 2026, and the gains leave European AUM at US$187.2 billion across 1,446.3 tonnes.

Asia remained the largest contributor to global inflows, adding US$616 million in July and reinforcing its position as 2026’s biggest source of new demand. Chinese funds led the region, and the Huaan Yifu Gold ETF alone attracted US$786 million, or 5.9 tonnes. Domestic investors sought shelter as the CSI 300 equity index recorded its worst month since January 2016. Elsewhere in the region, Indian funds added US$157 million, while Japanese products saw outflows of about US$262 million as higher local bond yields drew cash out of bullion.

North America recorded just US$71 million of inflows, leaving the region US$7.59 billion in net outflow for the year. The iShares Gold Trust posted the month’s largest single-fund exit, at roughly US$391 million, reflecting how a firm dollar and the possibility of renewed Federal Reserve hikes can reduce investor interest. The same policy fine-tuning meant to curb inflation also keeps some investors on the sidelines, even as others regard gold as ultimate insurance against policy missteps.

Trading activity slowed across the board in July. Average daily liquidity slipped 3.5 percent, to US$356 billion, with exchange-traded volumes down 2.6 percent and ETF turnover falling 29.1 percent. CFTC data showed net-long COMEX positions shrinking 4.4 percent to 542 tonnes, mainly because other reportables sold 36 tonnes while managed-money accounts added 11 tonnes. Spot gold touched US$4,347 per ounce during the month, with positioning remaining near neutral as gold continued to be weighed down by the war in the Middle East, which has reinforced inflation risks and supported the dollar and yields.

Overall, July’s figures show that demand for sound money remains in place, even if it varies sharply by region. With equity market volatility in Asia and monetary policy anything but settled in the West, many investors appear willing to keep at least a portion of their portfolio in bullion while they wait for clearer signals.