Loading article…
Gold demand up 6% YoY in Singapore, 40% in Indonesia; global demand flat at 307 t. See regional splits and central‑bank buying.
In the second quarter of 2026, global demand for gold bars and coins slipped 3 % YoY to 307.1 tonnes, while ASEAN investors bucked the trend with Singapore up 6 % and Indonesia soaring 40 % YoY [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Global bar & coin demand | 307.1 t (‑3 % YoY) |
| Singapore demand | 2.3 t (+6 % YoY) |
| Indonesia demand | 14.5 t (+40 % YoY) |
| Gold price (Singapore) | US$4,069/oz (≈ +1 % on Fed decision) |
ASEAN’s resilience came from strong investor appetite in Indonesia and Thailand. Indonesia’s investment demand jumped 40 % to 14.5 tonnes, driven by a weaker rupiah and concerns over the domestic outlook, according to the World Gold Council (WGC) [1]. Thailand recorded its best Q2 since 2019, with a 10 % YoY rise to 10.9 tonnes, as lower local prices spurred bargain hunting [1]. Malaysia also posted a 28 % YoY increase to 2.5 tonnes, despite regulatory uncertainty [1]. By contrast, Vietnam’s demand fell 31 % to 6.5 tonnes, mainly due to constrained import quotas that kept local premiums high [1].
Worldwide, total bar and coin demand fell 3 % YoY, mirroring a 26 % retreat from the January record high of US$5,500/oz as investors sold to raise liquidity amid Middle‑East conflict [1]. The price edged up nearly 1 % after the U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged, trading around US$4,069/oz in Singapore [1]. Gold‑backed ETFs saw a net outflow of 45 tonnes in Q2, though H1 inflows remained modestly positive at 18 tonnes [1][2]. Central banks added 288.9 tonnes to reserves, a 62 % YoY increase, underscoring continued official demand [1][2].
The divergence between robust ASEAN buying and a flat global market highlights gold’s dual role as a safe‑haven store of value in regions facing currency and economic headwinds, while price pressures and ETF outflows keep overall demand muted. The next central‑bank actions and policy adjustments will determine whether the metal can sustain its recent regional gains.
Coverage is mostly measured — 207 of 220 reports stay neutral.
Every Monday — the token unlocks, Fed dates & catalysts set to move crypto and markets this week. So you’re never blindsided.
Free · 3-min read · one-click unsubscribe
AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 3 outlets · Aug 2, 2026 · How we report
Pure 24‑karat gold, containing 99.9% gold, is the most valuable, followed by lower‑karat alloys such as 22‑karat and 18‑karat, which contain less gold but are more durable.
Rolled gold offers durability and a solid gold appearance at a lower cost, making it a practical choice for everyday jewellery.
The excerpt from the World Gold Council’s Q2 2026 report contains only disclaimer and copyright information and does not include specific demand figures.