Investing Updates: Singapore sets out plan to support gold trading amid growing interest

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/gold-trading-vault-mas-central-bank-6020216

Gemini:

Singapore is significantly expanding its gold ecosystem to establish itself as a premier global trading hub. On March 27, 2026, Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), unveiled a strategic plan focused on four key areas to capitalize on the growing investor interest in vaulting and trading gold within the region.

Core Strategic Pillars

The Gold Market Development Working Group, established in January 2026, will focus on:

• Infrastructure Enhancement: Improving physical facilities for the storage and transportation of gold.

• Sovereign Services: Offering specialized gold storage for foreign central banks and sovereign entities, leveraging Singapore’s reputation for safety and security.

• Product Diversification: Broadening the range of gold-related capital market products available to investors.

• Clearing and Settlement: Implementing a secure system for transferring assets, specifically addressing both the London-standard large bars (12.4kg) and the Asian-preferred kilobars (1kg).

Economic Impact

Mr. Chee emphasized that gold trading will serve as a new pillar for Singapore’s wealth and asset management sector. By building this ecosystem, the nation aims to attract more global assets and create high-quality jobs.

Addressing regional competition, specifically from Hong Kong, Mr. Chee noted that the global demand for a "safe haven" in an uncertain environment provides ample space for both hubs to coexist. Rather than reacting to short-term price fluctuations, Singapore is focused on long-term "environmental" growth. Detailed updates from the workgroup, which includes major banks and refineries, are expected throughout the year.

Comments:

Interesting move by government.

Investing Updates: Gold turns volatile amid Middle East conflict. What investors should watch next

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/gold-middle-east-march-2026

Claude:

Gold Price Volatility Amid Middle East Conflict

Gold has experienced dramatic swings recently, hitting a record high of US$5,417 per ounce on 3 March 2026 before plunging over 20% to around US$4,410 by late March — erasing all year-to-date gains in one of its steepest weekly declines in decades.

What triggered the sell-off?

The conflict began when US and Israeli forces struck Iran on 28 February. While gold initially rallied on safe-haven demand, market focus quickly shifted to inflation and interest rates. The war pushed Brent crude above US$112 — up 40% since hostilities began — fuelling inflation fears that have kept the Federal Reserve hawkish. With the Fed holding rates at 3.5–3.75% and signalling only one cut in 2026 (markets now price in none), rising bond yields and a stronger US dollar weighed heavily on gold. A cascade of forced selling accelerated the drop once prices broke below the psychologically important US$5,000 level.

What supports gold longer-term?

Despite the pullback, structural demand remains intact. Gold ETFs recorded their ninth consecutive month of inflows in February, with US$5.3 billion added and total holdings reaching a record 4,171 tonnes. Central banks continued buying, with the buyer base widening to include Malaysia, South Korea, and Indonesia. China extended its purchasing streak to 15 consecutive months.

Key technical level to watch: US$4,066–4,090, where the 200-day moving average sits. A break below could see prices test US$3,500.

The recommendation is to treat gold as a long-term diversifier (5–10% allocation), building exposure gradually through dollar-cost averaging rather than timing the market.

Comments:

Good information.

Investing Updates: First home-grown gold ETF to list on SGX on Mar 26

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/first-home-grown-gold-etf-list-sgx-mar-26

ChatGPT:

Singapore will soon see its first home-grown physical gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) when the Singapore Exchange lists the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold ETF on Mar 26, 2026. This marks the first gold ETF listing on SGX in about 20 years, reflecting renewed investor interest in gold amid global uncertainty.

The ETF is issued by Lion Global Investors, a subsidiary of Great Eastern Holdings and part of the OCBC group. It will trade in both Singapore dollars (SGD) and US dollars (USD) under tickers GLS and GLU respectively.

The initial offer period runs from Mar 6 to Mar 20, during which investors can subscribe through several brokerages. Participating dealers include DBS Vickers Securities, iFAST Financial, Lim & Tan Securities, Maybank Securities, Moomoo, OCBC Securities, Phillip Securities, and Tiger Brokers Singapore. OCBC customers can also subscribe via ATMs and its digital banking platforms.

The ETF will be backed by physical gold stored and insured in Singapore, offering investors a cost-efficient way to gain exposure to gold without directly holding bullion. It aims to closely track the London Bullion Market Association Gold Price AM benchmark and will invest in LBMA Good Delivery gold bars, which meet strict industry standards.

The launch follows the December 2025 debut of the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund, which has already accumulated S$502.2 million in assets under management.

Gold demand has surged recently as investors seek safe-haven assets amid macroeconomic uncertainty and currency volatility. Strong central bank buying and investor demand pushed gold prices to a record US$5,597.23 per ounce on Jan 29, 2026.

Lion Global Investors said the ETF listing represents a natural step in expanding access to physical gold investments in Singapore, particularly as traditional asset allocations face increasing challenges.

Comments:

Nice to have an additional Gold ETF in SGX.

Good for Singaporean investors who are mindful on geo-political risks and estate tax.

Will be thinking through on either owning this or GSD.SI as part of portfolio.

Investing Updates : Crude Oil Prices

URL: https://live.moomoo.com/course/content-detail?channel=task&course_id=111290&data_ticket=6e57d87b937d72d93b59ca3f6f5e9886&lang=en-us&open_type=graphics+The+Underlying+Conflicts+Surrounding+Crude+Oil+Prices&section_id=231000019&source=share&subchannel=&type=1

The article discusses the various conflicts and factors influencing crude oil prices, emphasizing geopolitical tensions, production decisions by major oil producers, and global demand fluctuations. Key drivers include OPEC’s policies, U.S. shale production, and economic trends in major markets like China. These dynamics result in volatility, making crude oil a sensitive commodity in global trade. Understanding these underlying factors is critical for investors and analysts monitoring energy markets.