Gold Boom: Central Banks And Investors Drive Record Demand In 2024

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 5, 2025

Global gold demand soared to an all-time high in 2024, driven by aggressive central bank purchases and a surge in investment interest, according to the World Gold Council’s annual report.

Key Figures

Nearly 5,000 tonnes of gold were traded last year, surpassing the 4,899 tonnes recorded in 2023, including over-the-counter (OTC) investments.
Central banks continued their buying spree, surpassing 1,000 tonnes of purchases for the third consecutive year.
The National Bank of Poland emerged as the top buyer, adding 90 tonnes to its reserves, followed by Turkey (75 tonnes) and India, which made steady purchases throughout the year.

What’s Next?

Gold prices shattered 40 all-time highs last year and continue to rise in 2025. Futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) climbed to $2,875.8 per ounce this week, according to FactSet.

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With rate cuts expected, the opportunity cost of holding gold is likely to decrease, keeping investment demand stable.

Investment Surge

Total gold investment jumped 25% to a four-year high of 1,180 tonnes, primarily fueled by ETFs.
Demand for gold bars and coins remained steady, with robust purchases in China and India.
India’s gold demand spiked following a government reduction in import duties from 15% to 6% in July.
Across ASEAN nations, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, investment demand saw double-digit growth.
Wealthy investors continued to hedge risks through OTC gold investments, which operate outside traditional exchanges.

Jewelry Market Struggles

Despite the bullish investment climate, gold jewelry demand fell 11% year-on-year, making it the only segment to decline. High gold prices and sluggish economic growth are expected to keep demand weak in 2025, according to analysts.

While central banks and investors drive record-breaking gold purchases, consumer markets remain under pressure, setting the stage for another year of market shifts in 2025.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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