Global gold demand hits record high

The World Gold Council shared comprehensive data on the global gold market in its report titled “Gold Demand Trends: Q4 and Full Year 2025,” published on January 29, 2026.

HISTORIC LEVEL IN GLOBAL DEMAND

According to the information in the report, total global gold demand, including over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, exceeded the 5,000-ton threshold for the first time in 2025, rising to 5,002 tons. Driven by rising prices, the total value of the gold market increased by 45 percent in one year to reach 555 billion dollars.

RECORD AFTER RECORD IN PRICES

The data revealed that 2025 was an extraordinary year for gold prices. The LBMA gold price reached an all-time high 53 times throughout the year. While the annual average price per ounce was 3,431 dollars, the average price in the last quarter of the year reached a record level of 4,135 dollars per ounce.

INVESTMENT DEMAND STANDS OUT

The investment side was the primary driver of the increase in demand. A net inflow of 801 tons was recorded into global gold ETFs throughout the year. During the same period, demand for bars and coins reached its highest level in the last 12 years.

CENTRAL BANKS CONTINUED PURCHASES

Central bank gold purchases maintained their strong momentum in 2025. A total of 863 tons were purchased throughout the year, a figure that remained below the buying pace of over 1,000 tons seen in previous years.

High prices put pressure on global jewelry demand. While jewelry consumption declined in volume, it recorded an increase in value. The report stated that consumer interest in gold remains, but there is an increasing shift toward lower-grammage products.

It was stated that gold demand in the technology sector remained largely stable. While AI-focused electronics production supported demand, it was noted that weakness in traditional consumer electronics limited the growth.

In its assessment for 2026, the World Gold Council projected that geopolitical uncertainties and global economic fragilities could continue to support investment demand, while high price levels might continue to exert pressure on jewelry demand.

GOLD DEMAND FELL IN TURKEY

In the section of the report regarding Turkey, it was emphasized that high inflation, geopolitical risks, and a volatile economic outlook played a decisive role in gold demand.

In 2025, jewelry demand in Turkey fell by 20 percent on an annual basis to 32.8 tons. It was stated that premiums rising up to 300 dollars per ounce in the local market created additional pressure on demand, especially in the last quarter of the year.

DECLINE IN BAR AND COIN DEMAND

On the investment front, demand for gold bars and coins in Turkey fell to 71.1 tons. It was noted that while high prices encouraged periodic profit-taking, the search for wealth preservation and a safe haven kept investor interest alive.

The report also included information that the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey made net purchases of 27 tons of gold throughout 2025.

News Source: 12punto