WGC: Gold Consumer Demand to Face Hurdles in H2 2022

WGC expects market weakness to continue in China, mainly on account of possible mobility restrictions as part of its zero-COVID policy.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The World Gold Council (WGC) announced publication of its Gold Mid-Year Outlook 2022.

According to the report, the consumer demand for gold is likely to face hurdles in the second half of the current year. Although several markets are expected to benefit from the post-Covid recovery, the widespread economic slowdown is feared to put pressure on consumer demand for gold. The significantly high local gold prices in many countries may affect gold demand, it noted.

WGC expects market weakness to continue in China, mainly on account of possible mobility restrictions as part of its zero-COVID policy. The Indian demand also faces challenges, though not to the extent of China. The factors such as high retail inflation, uncertainties about economic outlook and the unexpected hike in gold import duty will weigh on the recovery of gold consumer demand in the country.

Overall, gold is likely to face two major headwinds in H2 2022- higher nominal interest rates and potentially stronger dollar. At the same time, the gold trade body expects more supportive factors offsetting the negative effect from the above two drivers. The underperformance of stocks and bonds in a potential stagflationary environment may benefit gold.

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