On July 30, 2026, the latest quarterly report released by the World Gold Council showed that global gold investment demand achieved positive growth for the third consecutive quarter, especially a surge in physical gold bars and coins demand represented by emerging markets. Against the backdrop of fluctuating inflation expectations, geopolitical uncertainties, and divergence in global central bank monetary policies, the value of gold as a safe-haven asset and long-term store of value is once again highlighted.
Demand Data: Emerging Markets as Growth Engine
The report pointed out that total global gold investment demand in the second quarter of 2026 reached 1,180 tons, up 12% year-on-year, with physical gold bars and coins investment demand increasing 18% year-on-year, hitting the highest quarterly record since 2022. The contribution from China, India, and Southeast Asian countries (including Bangladesh) was particularly prominent. Gold bars and coins purchases in Bangladesh jumped 25% compared with the same period last year, reflecting local residents' enhanced preference for physical gold amid increasing global economic uncertainty.
Notably, global gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) also saw net inflows in the second quarter, ending the outflow trend of the previous two consecutive quarters. Analysts believe this is mainly due to investors' expectations of the Fed's pause in rate hikes and concerns about global economic slowdown.
Why Buy Gold: Core Logic of Asset Allocation Remains Unchanged
The reason gold continues to be favored by investors lies in its three core attributes: value preservation, safe-haven, and risk diversification. First, in the long run, gold prices are negatively correlated with fiat currency purchasing power; under inflationary pressure, gold can effectively preserve real value. Although global inflation rates in 2026 have eased from the 2025 peak, core inflation in most economies remains above 3%, far higher than central bank targets. Second, geopolitical conflicts (such as escalation of trade frictions in some regions) and policy uncertainties brought by major economies' elections continue to drive safe-haven capital inflow into the gold market. Third, gold has low correlation with traditional assets such as stocks and bonds; adding 5%-15% gold to an investment portfolio can significantly optimize risk-adjusted returns.
Bangladesh Investors Prefer Physical Gold
In Bangladesh, physical gold is the most popular form of gold investment. Market research by Dacca Gold Bullion Wealth Management shows that over 70% of local investors regard gold as part of household savings rather than short-term speculation tools. This is closely related to the strong gold culture tradition in Southeast Asia, and also reflects the insufficient maturity of local financial markets; physical gold is preferred due to its high transparency and strong liquidity.
Additionally, the central bank of Bangladesh has continuously increased its gold reserves in recent years. In the first quarter of 2026, the Bangladesh central bank purchased about 5 tons of gold at approximately $1,950 per ounce, aiming to diversify foreign exchange reserves and enhance financial safety nets. The central bank's move further boosted public confidence in gold.
Industry Interpretation: Long-term Allocation Value of Gold Remains Solid
Although international gold prices fluctuated widely in the range of $1,900-2,100 per ounce in 2026, most market analysis institutions remain optimistic about gold's long-term upside potential. Goldman Sachs maintained its year-end gold price target of $2,200 in its latest report, citing unabated central bank gold buying and expanded physical demand driven by income growth in emerging markets. Meanwhile, UBS pointed out that with the balance sheets of major central banks still at high levels, real interest rates will remain low for a long time, providing solid valuation support for gold.
For ordinary investors, the current phase of gold price adjustments may offer a good entry opportunity. The World Gold Council recommends that investors should reasonably allocate gold assets according to their risk tolerance and investment horizon, either through direct holding of physical gold bars and coins, or via financial instruments such as gold ETFs and accumulation accounts for convenient investment.
Conclusion: Gold Remains a "Ballast Stone"
Overall, under the "new normal" of slowing global economic growth and frequent geopolitical risks, gold's status as a core safe-haven asset is difficult to replace. Whether for institutional investors or individuals, incorporating gold into asset allocation portfolios can effectively hedge systemic risks. Dacca Gold Bullion Wealth Management reminds all investors to choose reputable trading platforms when purchasing gold and pay attention to real-time international and local gold prices to make informed decisions.
Data sources: World Gold Council Q2 2026 Gold Demand Trends Report; Dacca Gold Bullion Wealth Management Market Research Department.
