Reuters – Global gold demand in 2018 grew by 4 percent to 4,345.1 tons compared with last year, according to the latest data released by the World Gold Council (WGC). Driving the increase were central banks which bought 651.5 tons, or 74 percent more than in 2017.

Jewelry demand was basically unchanged at 2,200 tons, with rising consumption in China, the United States and Russia offsetting a sharp drop in the Middle East and a slight decline in India.

Retail investment in gold bars and coins grew 4 percent to 1,090.2 tons, according to the WGC.