The World Gold Council’s Q2 2026 Gold Demand Trends report: Q2 global jewellery demand fell 17% YoY as high prices pushed consumers away from pure-gold pieces or toward lighter-weight items, leaving H1 jewellery volumes lower. Jewellery spending showed resilience, rising 22% YoY in 1H to $86bln. Q2 total global gold supply was flat YoY at 1,269t; estimated mine production rose about 2% YoY to 966t supported by new output in Canada and Chile, while recycled gold supply fell 6% YoY despite higher

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara said on the 30th the Kumamoto earthquake has killed 28 people.

The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% in a 6-3 vote (previous meeting 7-2). Greene, Mann and chief economist Pill voted for a hike. The committee retained guidance that it is prepared to act if necessary, citing renewed US‑Iran tensions and recent large energy-price swings. At the same time it said there are clear signs domestic inflationary pressures are easing and little evidence the energy shock has raised wage demands or materially passed through to other goods and services. A majority said policy could change if the war ends soon; two members said they would consider cuts in that scenario. Governor Bailey said there is currently little sign of second‑round effects but it is too early to be complacent given heightened global uncertainty and upside inflation risks, so holding rates is appropriate.