According to the latest data from the World Gold Council, gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) marked a fitting end to a disappointing year last month.

WGC reported last Friday that 6.4 metric tons of gold leaked from ETFs last month. Thus, a total of 173 tons of gold have been liquidated from global ETFs.

In December, there was an outflow of 22 tons of gold from North America and an inflow of 16 tons to European and Asian funds.

Many analysts noted that the almost 4% drop in gold in 2021 was due to slow investment demand. Throughout the year, there was a constant outflow in this sector. However, the WGC noted one positive moment last year: ETF gold holdings remain well above pre-pandemic levels, with an inflow of 875 tonnes in 2020.

This year, WGC's outlook for gold is ambiguous as historically low real interest rates due to rising inflationary pressures are comparable to the Fed's tightening of monetary policy.

According to WGC senior analyst Adam Perlaky, they remain vigilant about the development of monetary policy and possible increases in interest rates at a faster rate, as proven by the Fed's recent statement that could impede the growth of gold. But historically, rates have remained low and will continue to support demand for gold, given its role as a high-quality liquid asset, as the portfolio structure continues to change to accommodate market volatility. This was indicated in the statement.