PARIS : In its latest quarterly report, the World Gold Council revealed that gold investment volumes fell by 5 percent during the first quarter of the year. This decline came despite gold prices surging to record highs in January, driven by investors seeking safe-haven assets amid a weakening US dollar and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the monetary policies of Donald Trump.

The report highlighted that strong inflows into gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during January and February were largely offset by significant outflows in March. These outflows were particularly evident in North American markets, indicating a shift in investor sentiment as the quarter progressed.

One of the key factors influencing this trend was the growing expectation that the US Federal Reserve may raise interest rates to counter rising inflation. This outlook strengthened the US dollar, making gold more expensive for investors holding other currencies and thereby reducing its appeal.

Despite the drop in demand in terms of volume, the overall value of gold purchases surged by 62 percent, reflecting the sharp rise in prices. Gold reached a record high of nearly $5,600 per ounce at the end of January and maintained a strong average price of $4,873 per ounce throughout the first quarter of 2026.

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