Gold Demand Hits Highest Q1 Since 2016 as Asia Leads ETF Investment Surge

Gold Demand Hits Highest Q1 Since 2016 as Asia Leads ETF Investment Surge

Gold investment demand jumped 170% in Q1 2025 — the highest since early 2022 — driven by record ETF inflows, rising economic uncertainty, and strong buying in Asia.

China plans global push for Shanghai Gold Exchange to boost yuan-based gold trade

China plans global push for Shanghai Gold Exchange to boost yuan-based gold trade

China is weighing plans to establish overseas warehouses for the Shanghai Gold Exchange, in a move to boost international settlement of yuan-denominated gold contracts and expand the global use of its gold benchmark.

IMF downgrades U.S. outlook amid tariff uncertainty

IMF downgrades U.S. outlook amid tariff uncertainty

IMF issued its steepest downgrade for the U.S. among advanced economies, citing rising tariff-related uncertainty and a heightened risk of recession. Global economic sentiment has dimmed, with the IMF now projecting a 37% chance of a U.S. downturn—up sharply from 25% just months ago.

Here are the countries holding the most U.S. debt- explained in 2 charts

Here are the countries holding the most U.S. debt- explained in 2 charts

Foreign investors held $8.8 trillion in U.S. Treasuries as of February 2025—a 10.2% increase from a year earlier, according to the recent U.S. Treasury data. Japan, China, and the U.K. remain the top holders of U.S. debt. Two charts show the major foreign holders as the national debt hits $36.1 trillion.