Gold-buying trends show fragile European sentiment

Political uncertainty driving up purchases

European investors are in a tricky position, writes Alistair Hewitt, director at the World Gold Council.

Equity markets have had a strong start to 2019 - by the end of February, the Bloomberg European 500 index was up over 11%. And yet, there is a lingering doubt in many investors' minds; how sustainable is it amid political and economic uncertainty?  Investors turn to gold amid stockmarket volatility The global economy is slowing down and that has impacted Europe. German growth stalled at the end of last year as overseas demand - especially from China - dwindled. Italy stumbled too, hamstrung by low productivity, high debt and fractious budgetary negotiations between Brussels and Rom...