Global Gold ETF Demand Surges by $6.6 Billion in April as India’s Inflows Mark 11 Consecutive Months, Reports World Gold Council
In April, global investors demonstrated renewed interest in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as indicated by substantial inflows and regional performance outlined in the latest report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Notably, India attracted positive flows of USD 297 million, achieving its 11th consecutive month of inflows. This trend contributed to a total of USD 6.6 billion in inflows for gold ETFs worldwide, with European funds showcasing the most notable recovery. The asset under management for gold ETFs reached USD 615 billion, marking a 1% month-on-month increase. The total gold holdings also saw a 1% uptick, culminating in 4,137 tonnes, just shy of the historical peak of 4,176 tonnes recorded in February 2026.
Regionally, Asian gold ETFs, especially in Hong Kong and mainland China, continued their positive momentum, collectively adding USD 1.8 billion in April. Hong Kong led with an impressive USD 732 million infusion, partly driven by new product listings, while mainland China drew in USD 498 million, spurred by ongoing geopolitical tensions and official sector gold purchases. Furthermore, European funds reversed previous negative trends, recording USD 3.7 billion in inflows, significantly driven by investor sentiment reacting to escalating geopolitical risks, particularly associated with tensions in Iran. The UK’s strong performance in this sphere, supported by Switzerland and Germany, ultimately reflects a shift towards gold as a hedge against potential inflation and instability.
In North America, gold ETFs recorded a recovery with inflows of USD 1 billion in April, primarily during the month’s initial half as gold prices exhibited recovery. However, the latter portion of the month saw shifts in investor sentiment due to the escalating US-Iran conflict and a stronger dollar, resulting in softened inflows. Meanwhile, trading volumes across the global gold market experienced a 24% month-on-month decrease, settling at USD 398 billion per day, yet remaining above the 2025 average, indicating continued market liquidity. Importantly, positioning data revealed a moderate reduction in total COMEX net longs, declining 4% to 477 tonnes, encapsulating a complex landscape where early optimism was countered by late-month selling pressure amidst rising opportunity costs.
Source: The Economic Times
(Expert Note: This report was prepared by the Wealthova team.)