Ever See a Gold ATM?

Brian Hicks

Posted May 9, 2025

If you need any more proof that gold is in a historic bull market, take a look at a recent story that came out of China.

Shanghai’s Gold ATM: A Glimmering Signal of Gold’s Bull Market

As a Wealth Daily investor, I constantly seek out real-world indicators that validate our investment theses. The recent unveiling of Shanghai's first gold ATM serves as a compelling affirmation of the ongoing bull market in gold. This development, coupled with unprecedented central bank gold purchases, underscores a global shift toward gold as a preferred store of value.

The Gold ATM Phenomenon

Located in Shanghai’s Global Harbor shopping mall, the newly introduced "gold recycling ATM" has attracted significant attention. Operated by the Shenzhen Kinghood Group, this machine allows users to insert gold jewelry, which is then weighed, melted, and assessed, providing instant cash payouts. The overwhelming demand has led to long queues and advance bookings, highlighting the public's eagerness to capitalize on soaring gold prices.

This surge in public interest reflects a broader sentiment: gold is not just a relic of the past but a vital asset in today's volatile economic landscape.

Central Banks: The Silent Accumulators

While retail enthusiasm is palpable, the more profound narrative lies in the actions of central banks. In Q1 2025 alone, central banks globally added 244 metric tons of gold to their reserves. Notably, the National Bank of Poland led with a purchase of 49 metric tons, while the People's Bank of China added 13 metric tons, marking its sixth consecutive month of accumulation.

This trend isn't new. Since 2022, central banks have consistently purchased over 1,000 metric tons of gold annually, doubling the average of the previous decade. Such sustained buying indicates a strategic move to diversify reserves and hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

De-Dollarization and the Flight to Gold

A significant driver behind this gold accumulation is the global move toward de-dollarization. Countries like China are gradually reducing their reliance on the U.S. dollar, prompted by geopolitical tensions and concerns over financial security. China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange has notably reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings by over 27% between 2022 and 2024, reallocating assets toward gold and other alternatives.

This shift underscores a growing sentiment: In an era of economic unpredictability, gold offers a tangible and reliable store of value.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

The combined effect of retail enthusiasm and institutional accumulation has propelled gold prices to record highs, recently surpassing $3,500 per ounce. Analysts predict this upward trajectory will continue, with forecasts suggesting prices could reach $3,700 by year-end.

For investors, this presents a compelling opportunity. Gold-backed ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) offer accessible avenues to gain exposure. Additionally, investing in gold mining companies such as Barrick Gold (GOLD) and Newmont Corporation (NEM) can provide leveraged returns in a rising gold market.

The introduction of Shanghai's gold ATM is more than a technological novelty; it's a manifestation of gold's enduring appeal in uncertain times. Coupled with aggressive central bank purchases and a global shift away from the U.S. dollar, the evidence points to a robust and sustained bull market in gold.

As always, we at Wealth Daily remain vigilant, seeking out such indicators to guide our investment strategies. The current landscape reaffirms our confidence in gold as a cornerstone asset in any diversified portfolio.

The Prophet of Profit,

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Brian Hicks

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Brian is a founding member and President of Angel Publishing. He writes about general investment strategies for Wealth Daily and Energy and Capital. Brian is the managing editor and investment director of R.I.C.H Report (Retired Independent Carefree Healthy) and New World Assets. For more on Brian, take a look at his editor’s page.

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