Bloomberg’s Chongjing Li offers insights into the booming gold market in China, particularly in Shubei, a major retail hub. As the property crisis and economic slowdowns push consumers towards gold, demand spikes, soaring prices to record highs. Li discusses how live streamers influence younger buyers, making gold both a trendy investment and a cultural staple for significant life events. Additionally, the impact of central bank purchases and geopolitical tensions on market dynamics adds another layer to gold's enduring allure in China.
The cultural significance of gold in China drives consumers to prioritize it as a stable investment during economic uncertainties.
Younger generations are redefining gold purchases by opting for smaller, collectible pieces, reflecting changing consumer behaviors and preferences.
Deep dives
China's Gold Retail Market
Shuibei, a district in Shenzhen, stands as one of the largest gold retail markets in the world, particularly noted for its volume in China. The market has recently gained attention due to the influence of live streamers on social media platforms promoting gold purchases. Gold symbolizes beauty, fortune, and significant milestones in Chinese culture, making jewelry a common gift for occasions such as births and weddings. As economic uncertainty looms, more consumers, including younger generations, are flocking to Shuibei not only for gold but also for its appealing pricing and quality of merchandise.
Cultural Significance and Investment Trends
Gold holds a unique cultural significance in China, often viewed as a cherished asset across generations. Many older Chinese prefer to store their wealth in physical gold rather than in bank accounts, favoring the tactile sense of security it provides. Interestingly, younger consumers, aged 18 to 34, now represent a substantial portion of gold jewelry sales, shifting their focus from traditional practices to purchasing smaller, collectible pieces like gold earrings and 'gold beans.' This trend reflects a broader shift as young buyers recognize gold's potential as a stable investment amidst a volatile economy.
Driving Forces Behind Gold Demand
Gold prices have recently surged, driven by robust demand from central banks, particularly China's, as they seek to diversify currency reserves. The People's Bank of China's extensive gold purchases have significantly contributed to the rising prices, coinciding with global economic turbulence. Additionally, lower interest rates in the US have heightened gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, with ongoing geopolitical uncertainties further bolstering consumer demand. Analysts predict that despite potential price fluctuations, the fundamental desire for gold as a symbol of prosperity will sustain its appeal among Chinese consumers.
Shuibei, in southern China, is home to one of the world's biggest retail markets for gold. Over the past year, it's seen a boom in demand for the jewelry, sold by thousands of stallholders, as the Chinese property crisis and slowing economy spurred a flight into gold. So much so that Chinese consumers helped propel the global gold price to record highs in 2024.
On today's Big Take Asia podcast, K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg's Chongjing Li about the enduring appeal of the precious metal in China, and what lies ahead.