Gold ETFs shrink 6% in H1 2026 as prices pull back

Since hitting a record $5,602 per ounce at the end of January, gold prices have corrected, leading to a 6% drop in global gold ETF assets during the first half of 2026. At the end of June, total holdings stood at $526 billion, down from the previous period, while net inflows remained positive at $8 billion. Asia contributed the strongest inflows, Europe posted solid additions, and North America recorded the largest outflows.

Overall gold inventories rose by roughly 18 tonnes in the first six months, and trading volume on the metal market reached an all‑time high. The World Gold Council expects regional ETF flows to stabilise as investors continue to view gold as a portfolio hedge.

OR Royalties Inc. and Gold Royalty Corp., both focused on gold, silver and copper royalties in North and South America, reported record earnings. OR Royalties generated 20,757 attributable gold‑equivalent ounces in Q2 2026 and paid dividends, while Gold Royalty cited record revenues for Q4 2025 and the full year, and again for Q1 2026.