In the first half of 2025, gold prices soared 26% to record highs, yet investors continued to buy in, especially through ETFs. The World Gold Council’s Q2 Gold Demand Trends report shows total global investment demand jumped 78% year-on-year, marking the strongest half-year since 2020. ETF inflows in Australia and worldwide offset earlier 2024 outflows, driven by fears of economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and currency debasement. Central banks continued large-scale purchases, adding 166 tonnes in Q2, while bar and coin buying rose 11%, led by Chinese and Indian investors. Jewellery demand, however, fell sharply. Analysts say ongoing market volatility and unpredictable macroeconomic conditions could keep gold prices supported in the second half of 2025.

Are Mining Stocks a Trap? Mike and Alan Break Down 50 Years of Data
Are gold mining stocks really a leveraged bet on gold—or a long-term trap? Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard analyze 50 years of data and reveal why physical gold has massively outperformed even the best mining companies, exposing the hidden risks of dilution, volatility, and poor timing that most investors underestimate.




