India’s Household Gold Holdings Surge To $3.8 Trillion As Prices Hit Record Highs
Key Takeaways
- Indian households hold 34,600 tonnes of gold worth $3.8 trillion
- Gold prices surged 54.6% in USD and 61.8% in INR terms year-to-date
- RBI added 75 tonnes to gold reserves since 2024, now at 880 tonnes
- India remains world’s second-largest gold consumer after China
Indian household gold holdings have reached a staggering $3.8 trillion, representing 88.8% of GDP, as gold prices hit unprecedented levels, according to a Morgan Stanley report. The massive gold wealth is creating positive effects on household balance sheets across the country.
Record-Breaking Gold Prices
Gold is trading at all-time highs globally and domestically, with international prices around $4,056 per ounce and Indian prices reaching approximately Rs 127,300 per 10 grams. The precious metal has delivered remarkable returns, rising 54.6% in US dollar terms and 61.8% in Indian rupee terms year-to-date.
Growing ETF Investments
Households are increasingly turning to gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with investments tracking at $1.8 billion over the past 12 months. This shift toward financial gold instruments reflects changing investment preferences among Indian investors.
India’s Position in Global Gold Market
India maintains its position as the world’s second-largest gold consumer, accounting for 26% of global demand, just behind China at 28%. The country’s appetite for gold remains strong despite price increases.
RBI Boosts Gold Reserves
The Reserve Bank of India has significantly increased its gold holdings, adding approximately 75 tonnes since 2024 to reach 880 tonnes. Gold now constitutes about 14% of India’s total foreign exchange reserves, indicating strategic diversification.
Consumption Trends and Economic Impact
While gold consumption value has risen to $68 billion, volume remains steady at around 767 tonnes, well below the peak of 1,145 tonnes in June 2011. Stable inflation averaging 5% and positive real interest rates have helped contain gold imports within 1-1.5% of GDP, significantly lower than the 3.3% peak recorded in May 2013.
This macroeconomic stability has prevented excessive household preference for physical gold savings, easing pressure on the current account deficit, the report concluded.
