Millennial investors push up demand for physical gold

The Royal Mint has seen the demand for precious metals and gold jump 200% as young investors turn to the yellow metal as an alternative to other assets, according to Andrew Dickey, the director of Precious Metals Investment at the Royal Mint.

Gold coins
(Image credit: © Getty Images)

Demand for physical gold around the world is rising, and it's not just investors who are buying the yellow metal.

According to the World Gold Council, last year demand for physical gold hit 4,741 tonnes, the highest level since 2011. The biggest buyers were the world's central banks. Central bank purchases of gold totalled 417 tonnes in the final quarter of the year.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Explore More
Rupert Hargreaves
Contributor and former deputy digital editor of MoneyWeek

Rupert is the former deputy digital editor of MoneyWeek. He's an active investor and has always been fascinated by the world of business and investing. His style has been heavily influenced by US investors Warren Buffett and Philip Carret. He is always looking for high-quality growth opportunities trading at a reasonable price, preferring cash generative businesses with strong balance sheets over blue-sky growth stocks.

Rupert has written for many UK and international publications including the Motley Fool, Gurufocus and ValueWalk, aimed at a range of readers; from the first timers to experienced high-net-worth individuals. Rupert has also founded and managed several businesses, including the New York-based hedge fund newsletter, Hidden Value Stocks. He has written over 20 ebooks and appeared as an expert commentator on the BBC World Service.