Gold price UK: what China’s ETF moves tell us about 2025 confidence

Gold Price in 2025: Holding Up Under Pressure

Gold has had a dynamic year so far, and the story is far from over.

Despite brief pullbacks, the gold price in the UK remains impressively resilient, supported by wider global forces and unexpected buying behaviours, especially from Asia. UK savers might be watching from the sidelines, wondering: “Is this the moment to get in?” And while no one has a crystal ball, China’s recent actions with gold ETFs might offer a telling clue.

Here’s what’s really been happening – and what it could signal for those keeping an eye on their savings.

Why Did China ETFs Sell in May and July?

Let’s start with what looked like bad news.

According to recent data, Chinese gold ETFs experienced outflows of ¥3.2 billion (approximately £340 million) in July alone, with four of the country’s major funds witnessing redemptions. Back in May, Chinese-listed ETFs shed another RMB 3.3 billion (approximately 4.6 tonnes), reflecting seasonal softness and a rising equities market that temporarily drew attention away from precious metals.

For some observers, that might appear as a vote of no confidence in gold. But that’s only half the story.

In fact, these outflows followed months of record inflows. The first half of 2025 saw global gold ETF investments reach $38 billion, the highest in five years. And much of that surge was driven by, you guessed it, Asia. China-led inflows in April alone accounted for 64.8 tonnes of the global total.

Zoom out, and it’s clear: the so-called exodus wasn’t a collapse – it was rebalancing.

Dip? Buy. Repeat.

One of the most compelling behaviours seen in 2025 has been China’s tendency to buy the dip.

In July, after reaching a local peak of 324 tonnes, Asia-listed ETF holdings declined to 317 tonnes, only to rebound rapidly, driven by renewed inflows into flagship funds such as the Huaan Yifu ETF. Even as some investors locked in profits, others were waiting to jump in at a more favourable entry point.

Meanwhile, Shanghai gold traded at a consistent premium to international benchmarks – often a sign that physical demand on the ground is outpacing supply. In other words, Chinese savers weren’t fleeing gold. They were tactically adjusting positions, then re-entering once prices softened.

This behaviour reveals something important: many investors don’t see temporary dips as red flags. They see them as opportunities.

It’s the opposite of panic – it’s a sign of confidence.

Global Inflows Tell the Full Story

To really understand where gold sits in 2025, we need to zoom out even further.

Across the first six months of the year, global gold ETFs added 397.1 tonnes to their holdings, with Asia accounting for more than a quarter of that growth. Despite occasional sell-offs, the overall trajectory indicates strong demand, particularly in regions facing currency devaluation, geopolitical uncertainty, and volatile equity markets.

And it’s not just about ETFs.

Physical gold continues to command attention among central banks and individual savers alike. London’s gold market, for instance, saw a surge in requests to borrow central bank gold earlier this year, following major shipments to the U.S. That squeeze on supply only reinforced gold’s importance as a financial bedrock – even among institutional players.

In short, gold remains profoundly relevant. Even in a world that’s increasingly digital, tangible assets like physical gold haven’t lost their appeal – they’ve arguably become more sought-after.

What Does This Mean for UK Savers?

UK-based savers have long looked to property, ISAs, and equities as default options. But 2025 has shaken things up.

Inflation continues to eat into purchasing power. Bank interest rates may be higher than they were, but in many cases, they still don’t outpace inflation. And with sterling’s long-term buying power slipping, asset-based savings have started to get a second look.

Yet for many, the gold market still feels… intimidating. It seems technical. Risky. Hard to access.

And that’s where tools like TallyMoney come into play. For individuals seeking exposure to physical gold without the need to learn the intricacies of ETF trading or bullion logistics, platforms like Tally make it easier to start small, stay liquid, and remain in control.

You don’t need a hedge fund. You don’t need to speculate. And you definitely don’t need to buy a gold bar and hide it under your bed.

You Don’t Need to Time the Market. You Just Need to Get In.

Timing the perfect market entry is a myth – even seasoned traders rarely get it right.

However, what the China ETF story reveals is that waiting for certainty may mean missing the upside altogether. Investors overseas aren’t buying gold because it’s cheap – they’re buying because they believe in its long-term stability.

For UK savers looking for value preservation rather than speculation, this mindset shift could make all the difference.

Because when confidence is this visible – and this global – it might just be time to stop asking if gold makes sense, and start asking how to make it work for you.

The Gold Price Isn’t Just About the Dollar Anymore

Gold is traditionally priced in US dollars, but for savers in the UK, the strength (or weakness) of the pound plays a key role in how much value gold really delivers.

When the pound weakens against the dollar, gold priced in GBP typically rises, even if international spot prices remain flat. In recent months, with UK inflation still uncomfortably high and questions surrounding future rate cuts from the Bank of England, the gold price in GBP terms has remained steady or climbed. This means that UK-based savers can benefit from two forces simultaneously: global demand for gold and currency-related tailwinds.

Central Banks Are Still All In

While short-term traders may come and go, the most prominent players in the gold market remain buyers – quietly and consistently.

Data shows that central banks, particularly in emerging markets, have continued to increase their gold reserves in 2025. For them, gold isn’t a speculative bet – it’s an anchor. A way to store value, build financial independence, and protect purchasing power across generations.

That long-term conviction matters. It helps explain why global ETFs can swing month to month, yet the underlying appetite for physical gold stays rock solid.

London Still Holds the Keys

Closer to home, the London Bullion Market plays a critical role in the global gold supply chain. In fact, most of the world’s wholesale gold trades through London vaults, which also store gold for major central banks and financial institutions.

Earlier this year, the market faced tight conditions, as large gold shipments to the US prompted queues to borrow central bank gold stored at the Bank of England. That situation highlights something often overlooked by retail savers: gold isn’t just symbolic. It’s practical. It’s collateral. It’s real wealth with real-world demand.

If institutions are scrambling to get access to gold – even temporarily – it says a lot about its credibility in uncertain times.

So, What’s the Takeaway for UK Savers?

Let’s be honest. Nobody can predict every move in the gold market. Not the Fed, not Beijing, not even Wall Street. But what 2025 has shown is that short-term swings haven’t dented gold’s long-term demand. If anything, they’ve triggered smarter responses from global investors – especially in Asia, where dip-buying has become a reliable trend.

And this brings us back to the UK.

If you’ve been watching the headlines and wondering how to “get in” on gold, the first step isn’t about perfect timing. It’s about finding a simple, safe, and practical way to hold real gold – without the fuss.

That’s where solutions like TallyMoney come in.

What Makes Tally Different?

Tally® is not just a digital balance – it’s direct ownership of physical gold, measured in milligrams. One tally equals one milligram of gold, and your gold is stored securely in professional vaults outside the traditional banking system.

Unlike speculative tools or “gold-backed tokens,” your tally balance isn’t tied to price alone – it’s gold by weight, and that gives it stability and substance.

With no fees when you spend, a TallyMoney debit Mastercard, and full 24/7 access to your gold, this offers UK savers something most traditional financial tools can’t: value protection you can actually use.

What the China ETF Story Teaches Us

If there’s one lesson to take from the China gold ETF outflows, it’s this:

Confidence doesn’t always look like buying at the top. Sometimes, it appears to be selling high and then buying again when the price dips. It’s strategic. It’s smart. And it’s happening fast.

With Shanghai gold trading at a premium, and Chinese buyers returning within days after outflows, the message is clear: dips don’t scare serious gold holders, they attract them.

UK savers watching from afar can take note. You don’t need to become a commodities expert. You just need to understand one thing: gold is still being bought. Actively. Globally. And for good reason.

Final Thought: Confidence Leaves Clues

The gold price UK market reflects far more than charts and Fed minutes. It reflects sentiment, policy, trade, and – more often than not – real people making decisions with their money.

And right now, that includes millions of individuals and institutions reallocating to gold. Some through ETFs. Some through vaults. Some through platforms like Tally.

You don’t have to be first. But you probably don’t want to be last.

Start Owning Gold Without the Guesswork

Whether you’re building savings, rethinking your financial plan, or just curious about how gold fits into the picture, TallyMoney offers a transparent, easy, and regulated way to own gold outright.

Start with as little or as much as you like. See your balance grow in milligrams of gold, not pounds. And know that your money isn’t just sitting – it’s protected by one of history’s most trusted stores of value.

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How to get a TallyMoney account

Real World Examples

  1. Fancy a coffee? Use your TallyMoney Mastercard. Boom – paid. (Yes, you’re buying a flat white with gold. How amazing is that?)

  2. Need cash? Use any Mastercard ATM worldwide or spend across the globe. ZERO fees from us, ZERO markup. (When you spend or withdraw, your gold converts instantly at the global spot price. No catches, no hidden charges – just straight-up Mastercard exchange rates. Because your money shouldn’t cost you… more money.)

  3. Want some money back in your bank? Just tap ‘transfer’ in the app. (Though after a while, you might wonder why you’d want to…)

    Zero faff. Zero waiting. Zero fees when you spend tally.

Meet Cameron Parry

Meet the guy who wouldn’t accept being trapped in a ‘heads they win, tales we lose’ government-run monetary system that protects and benefits the financial institutions, to the detriment of the public. Where people’s deposits are constantly at risk, and losing value through inflation caused by central bankers and politicians.

If necessity is the mother of invention, then frustration may be the roommate’s cousin of motivation. In any case, he decided to stop getting mad and start a new monetary system with sound money. Where deposits serve the depositor, where savings build wealth for savers, and transactions are made in a familiar way. And he called it TallyMoney.

TallyMoney: Gold upgraded

With TallyMoney:

  • Your pounds instantly become physical gold (1 tally = 1mg of real gold)
    Stored in Swiss vaults (not under your bed)
  • Fully insured and allocated (actually yours, not a paper promise)
  • Spend it anywhere with your TallyMoney debit Mastercard
  • Transfer back to pounds instantly if needed (but why would you?)

We’re not anti-bank because it’s trendy. We’re anti-bank because the current system is rigged against you. Every day you leave money in a “savings” account, you’re funding their profits while your wealth evaporates.

Enter gold: the original currency

Why gold? It’s value is universally acknowledged.

  • It’s not controlled by any single government
  • It can’t be printed or manufactured
  • It’s actually scarce 
  • It requires effort to extract it 
  • It doesn’t rust, decay, or disappear
  • It has remarkable properties

So while the pound’s lost 50% of its value since 2004, gold’s grown by 146% in the last decade alone. While your bank savings got mugged by inflation, gold owners were laughing all the way to… well, not the bank.

But here’s the rub: Traditional gold ownership is a right pain. Buy physical bars? Prepare for storage fees that’ll make your eyes water, insurance premiums that never end, and a 5-10% haircut when you need to sell. Plus, try buying your weekly shop with a gold ingot.
Paper gold ETFs? They’re classed as Tier 3 assets for a reason – that’s financial speak for “risky as hell.” You don’t own gold, you own a promise. A tradeable IOU. And when everyone wants their gold at once? Good luck with that. So you’re stuffed either way: real gold that’s impossible to use, or fake gold that might not be there when you need it.
Until now.

The truth about inflation

How? Well, when politicians overspend (and they invariably do), they need more money to ‘stimulate the economy’. But raising taxes makes voters angry. So what do they do? They fire up the money printer, and boy do they love to print. To give you a sense of the scale, since 2015 the Bank of England has created £520bn out of thin air through “quantitative easing” (electronic money printing) plus £86bn in physical currency. 

Thing is, more pounds in circulation = each pound is worth less. Think about it: In 2004, £100 could buy you a decent night out, theatre tickets, and a cab home. Today? That same £100 barely covers the theatre tickets. Your money didn’t disappear – it was diluted, like someone’s been topping up your whisky with water when you weren’t looking.

The “2% inflation target” they bang on about? That’s them telling you they plan to steal 2% of your wealth every single year. And calling it healthy.

How TallyMoney actually works?

  1. First things first: we’ve got actual gold bullion* (none of that paper-promise nonsense) locked up tight in a Brinks vault in Switzerland. Yeah, those Brinks – the security legends who’ve been protecting valuables since Queen Victoria was on the throne.

  2. You send your pounds to your TallyMoney account (bye-bye, inflation-addicted fiat!).

  3. We use the global gold spot price to instantly turn your currency into its weight in gold. No hidden or fuzzy exchange rates, just the real market gold price + 1.49% gold purchase fee.

  4. Each milligram of your physical gold = 1 tally (we keep it decimal because no one wants to faff about with troy ounces – the specific unit for measuring gold).

  5. That’s it! Your app shows your balance in tally, but remember – those aren’t just numbers on a screen. That’s your solid gold, in milligrams, sitting pretty in Switzerland.
  6. You can now save and spend your gold as you see fit.

*All Tally gold is sourced from LBMA-accredited providers because we’re rebels with a cause… and standards. Instead of tracking the gold price per kg, your money is directly converted based on the real-time global gold spot price.

TallyMoney is 
real money

  1. Store of value
    Your gold sits in a Swiss vault (not getting ‘quantitatively eased’ away)
    Evidenced by 5,000 years of holding its value
    Can’t be inflated by government whim and fingers on the ‘currency print’ button
  2. Medium of exchange
    Spendable at 150+ million shops worldwide (thanks, Mastercard)
    Currency converts instantly at market rates (no sneaky margins)
    Moves as quickly as sending a text 
  3. Unit of account
    1 tally = 1mg of gold. Simple
    Stable enough to actually plan your future with
    Speaks every currency’s language (gold’s kind of a big deal everywhere)

This is why TallyMoney is so much more than just owning Gold – it’s a real financial revolution. We’re not just helping you own gold; we’re bringing back what money was always meant to be. Sound Money for a Brighter Future. Because your hard work and wealth deserve better than being slowly robbed by external forces.

We want you to have real money

  1. A store of value:
    Keeps its value over time
    Insulated from devaluation/inflation
    Actually rare and can’t be created out of thin air
  2. Medium of exchange:
    Easy to use for everyday transactions
    Widely accepted
    Can be transferred efficiently
  3. Unit of account:
    Works like a proper value-measuring stick (imagine if your ruler shrunk every year – mad, right?)
    Splits nicely into useful bits
    Reliable enough to plan your future with

Why does this matter? Because your hard work deserves better than being turned into monopoly money by someone else’s actions. Every time your currency loses value (inflation) its stealing from your past work, which harms your present savings, and your future dreams.