Rising ownership of gold in Apac boosts its bullish price momentum

GOLD ownership in Asia-Pacific (Apac) has surged in recent years. The growth is led by key regional markets, where investors are increasingly turning to gold amid local economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, currency depreciation and uncertainty over risk assets.

Supported by proactive government initiatives, regulatory reforms and a growing emphasis on portfolio diversification, Apac is expected to remain a major force in global gold investment, enhancing the path to US$4,000 an ounce in 2026.

Surge in physical gold ownership

Over the past five years, Apac ownership of physical gold bars and coins has risen markedly. In the wake of the pandemic, investors have increasingly turned to gold for diversification, protection against volatility and potential for capital growth. During this period, the spot price of gold in US dollars climbed by 118 per cent, from US$1,517 an ounce at the start of 2020 to US$3,303 an ounce by June 2025.