Central bank gold appetite stabilizes as Q2 buying rebounds

The World Gold Council’s latest data reveals a stark contrast between official-sector interest and consumer behavior. While central bank purchases climbed 62% compared to the same period last year, jewellery consumption slumped 17% to 278 tonnes—the lowest level since the pandemic. For Standard Chartered, this shift represents a healthier market structure than one driven solely by retail speculation.

Suki Cooper, Global Head of Commodities Research at Standard Chartered, argues that the downward revision of Q1 figures from 244 tonnes to 56.5 tonnes is a technical adjustment rather than a bearish signal. She notes that reserve managers are increasingly treating price dips as strategic buying opportunities, viewing the metal as a long-term hedge rather than a short-term trading vehicle. This sustained interest has provided a critical floor for gold prices near the $4,000 per ounce mark, effectively cushioning the market against broader ETF outflows.

Despite this support, gold faces headwinds from elevated real yields and a strong dollar. Current market correlations show a deepening inverse relationship between gold and nominal five-year yields. While speculative positioning remains cautious, with risk reversals favoring puts, the rebound in central bank activity suggests a institutional commitment to diversification that continues to outweigh near-term macroeconomic hurdles.