Why Gold Prices Are Surging: France’s Central Bank Reveals the Key Drivers Behind the Boom

As a seasoned researcher with a keen eye for global economic trends, I find the recent surge in gold prices intriguing. Having spent several years immersed in the complexities of international finance, I can confidently say that this price rise is no ordinary event. The Bank of France’s report sheds light on factors such as central bank demand from emerging markets and individual investor behavior driven by geopolitical tensions, which are typically overlooked in traditional gold pricing analysis.


In their latest findings, the Bank of France pointed out that the value of gold has nearly doubled since 2019, with a particularly steep increase observed in 2023. Contrary to expectations based on factors like increasing real interest rates, decreasing inflation, a robust dollar, and all suggesting lower gold prices, the Bank of France finds this price spike surprising. They attribute this unforeseen rise primarily to increased demand from central banks in developing countries and individual investors, who are influenced by geopolitical uncertainties.

The Bank of France states that the primary influencer on gold’s price is its demand. Supplying gold, which comes from mining (accounting for 75%) and recycling (contributing 25%), has remained fairly consistent. Demand-wise, jewelry represents the largest market share (49%), with central banks acquiring about a fifth (23%), financial investors making up nearly a fifth as well (21%), and technology accounting for a smaller percentage (7%). The Bank of France highlights that China and India collectively account for 57% of the global demand for gold jewelry, while Europe and the U.S. combined make up only 21%.

The report also talks about how U.S. interest rates, inflation, and risk appetite impact the price of gold. It notes that while gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, its correlation with inflation is most noticeable over the long term rather than the short term. The Bank of France explains that geopolitical risks—such as the war in Ukraine—combined with the increasing popularity of gold-backed financial products have amplified the demand for gold.

Additionally, the Bank of France highlights an important cause behind the recent increase in gold prices: buying by central banks from emerging markets. The report indicates that these central banks, particularly those based in Russia and China, have been shifting away from assets tied to the U.S. dollar. This trend, referred to as “de-dollarization,” is said to have substantially increased the demand for gold, according to the Bank of France.

Based on statements from the Bank of France, it appears that families in China and India are increasingly investing in gold. This trend is notably driven by a decrease in property and stock market values in China and an increase in savings within India. As a result, the Bank suggests that this added demand has contributed to the ongoing rise in gold prices.

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2024-09-30 17:21