New Gold Rush in Trading and Storage Follows Record Price Spike in 2026
June 17, 2026 – London
The gold market shows a new rise in both trading and storage. Gold prices hit a record high early this year. This spike pushed banks and firms to start new centers. Asian hubs now work hard to gain more ground in global bullion trade.
London Retains a Strong Trading Lead Despite Rising Asian Competition
News may claim that Asian centers challenge London’s long-held lead. Still, London trades far more gold. In the first half of 2026, London’s trade was 11 times larger than Shanghai Gold Exchange’s volume. This change differs from 10 years ago when China shifted global trade flows.
Gold hit its peak values in late January. At that time, gold and silver prices jumped to 29% and 73% above today’s levels. Even if trade numbers for bullion, ETFs, and derivatives dropped after the peaks, 2026’s daily deals still stand above the records of 2025. ### Hong Kong and Singapore Drive Infrastructure Expansion
Asian centers in Hong Kong and Singapore push to improve gold trading setups. Last week in Hong Kong, a plan came forward to cut taxes for commodity traders by 50%. This plan helps local logistics and vault safety. Hong Kong also plans to start a system that clears wholesale gold bars. That step could speed up market work and keep the city strong in bullion trade.
Singapore plans to start an over-the-counter gold clearing service before the year ends. The plan won support at the Asia Pacific Precious Metals Conference. Banks such as DBS, OCBC, UOB, and ICBC Standard Bank joined with JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank to back the move.
London Bullion Market Association Adjusts to Asia’s Growing Influence
Ruth Crowell, CEO of the London bullion group, spoke at the meeting. She mentioned that London might change the time of its morning gold auction. Moving the auction aims to suit more Asian market hours. London works to remain a key market in a changing trade world.
Physical Market Expansion and Regulatory Developments
Standard Chartered, a UK-listed bank, said it discussed building and running a gold vault in Hong Kong. The news shows trust in Hong Kong’s growing gold scene.
In the United States, lawmakers support a bill called the SILVER Act. The proposed rule would let the Chicago Mercantile Exchange allow bullion warehouses across the country to hold metals for Comex contracts. The move would spread out storage, which is now mostly in New York.
The CME Group said it plans to change its 1‑ounce gold futures trading to run 24 hours a day by late July if regulators agree. The change fits plans to allow nonstop trading in key goods like oil. Some regulators worry that round‐the‐clock trading might increase risks during world events.
A Competitive Asian Gold Ecosystem
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, who also leads the Monetary Authority, said the city-state wants to be a trusted hub in global gold. The national plan will link local gold demand with worldwide funds during Asian market hours. Even though Singapore had setbacks in the 1980s and in 2019, current projects aim to meet Asia’s growing need.
Renewed Market Engagement by Financial Institutions
Deutsche Bank returned to trading precious metals early this year after leaving in 2015. The bank rejoined London’s gold trade as a maker, following gold’s climb to high levels seen during the pandemic.
Adrian Ash, head of research at BullionVault, said: “The scene shows both contest and help. Asian centers build fresh gold clearing and storage while London keeps a high trade volume. This mix gives global investors more choice and ease.”
Outlook
The 2026 gold market sees more moves in trade, clearing, and storage. Price moves and world events spur these changes. Traditional centers like London and rising hubs in Asia both try to build their roles. The market will face many new steps soon.
Adrian Ash is head of research at BullionVault, the online site to buy, sell, and store physical precious metals. With over 20 years in the gold market, Ash often speaks in big money news and at business talks.
Please Note: This article is for information only and is not investment advice. Precious metals carry risk because prices change. Check all facts before you make money decisions.
