US retail investors have been on a buying spree in recent days, with the largest equity inflows since April, according to UBS Securities and Treasury. On Monday alone, there were $229 million of inflows from UBS retail market making clients, driven mostly by ETF purchases. This marks a significant increase in volume and investor interest, with equity flows concentrated across a range of ETFs.

The most notable flows were seen in the SPDR Regional Bank ETF (KRE), which recorded the largest inflows YTD with $16 million of net buying. This is the highest level of buying since July 2020, with GLD ($96 million), IAU ($35 million), and GLDM ($25 million) leading the way in terms of inflows.

The surge in gold ETF inflows can be attributed to a number of factors, including central banks’ growing interest in gold reserves, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As investors seek safe havens for their money, gold has become an increasingly attractive option due to its perceived value and stability.

This trend is likely to continue as investors remain cautious about the global economic outlook and potential risks in the financial markets. The recent inflation data release also provided a boost to gold prices, further fueling investor interest in the precious metal.

The record inflows into gold ETFs are a clear sign of investors’ growing appetite for safe-haven assets. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty persist, it is likely that gold will continue to attract significant investment in the coming months.