Gold ETFs saw biggest first-quarter inflows in three years — WGC

According to the World Gold Council (WGC), gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their biggest inflows for a first quarter in three years during the initial three months of 2025.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced extensive tariffs on a majority of American imports, escalating tensions in global trade. As a result, concerns about a potential recession have risen, increasing investor nervousness across international financial markets and prompting a shift toward safer assets like precious metals.

WGC data showed that gold ETFs saw inflows of 226.5 tons, equating to $21.1 billion, marking the largest quarterly surge since the beginning of 2022. By the end of March, the total amount of gold held by these funds increased by 3% to reach 3,445.3 tons, which is the highest level since May 2023.

ETFs listed in the United States were at the forefront of this trend, recording inflows of 133.8 tons from January to March, while European funds added 54.8 tons, WGC added.