COMEX gold stocks down 17425.86 oz on Aug 19 from previous day

According to recent data from COMEX, the total gold inventory recorded on August 19, 2025 was 38,629,130.62 troy ounces, a decrease of 17,425.86 troy ounces, or 0.05%, from the previous day. In the most recent week, the inventory increased by a cumulative total of 12,127.71 troy ounces, a 0.03% increase. Over the past month, the inventory has risen by a cumulative total of 1,436,987.68 troy ounces, a 3.86% increase. Historical data shows that since August 22, 2022, the gold inventory has ranged from a high of 45,071,696.43 troy ounces to a low of 16,898,041.50 troy ounces. The average value has been 24,134,959.484082446809 troy ounces. The current inventory of 38,629,130.62 troy ounces is 37.52% higher than the average.

Gold prices have been volatile in recent days, with Comex gold for August delivery losing $18.30 per troy ounce, or 0.55%, to settle at $3313.40 on August 19, 2025. This marks a decline of $22.60 or 0.68% over the past two sessions, the largest two-day dollar decline since August 15, 2025, and the largest two-day percentage decline since August 12, 2025. The gold inventory on August 19, 2025, stood at 38,629,130.62 troy ounces, a decrease of 17,425.86 troy ounces, or 0.05%, from the previous day.

Over the past week, the inventory increased by a cumulative total of 12,127.71 troy ounces, a 0.03% increase. This is a significant change compared to the past month, where the inventory rose by 1,436,987.68 troy ounces, a 3.86% increase. Historical data shows that since August 22, 2022, the gold inventory has ranged from a high of 45,071,696.43 troy ounces to a low of 16,898,041.50 troy ounces, with an average value of 24,134,959.484082446809 troy ounces. The current inventory of 38,629,130.62 troy ounces is 37.52% higher than the average.

The recent surge in gold inventory can be attributed to various factors, including China's regulatory mandate requiring insurance companies to allocate 1% of their assets to physical gold [2]. This mandate, issued by the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) in March 2025, is expected to unlock $45–$55 billion in gold purchases over three years, absorbing 15–20% of annual global mine production. The mandate has already led to a significant increase in physical gold premiums in Shanghai and backwardation in Comex gold futures, indicating immediate physical demand [2].

Additionally, the unprecedented physical delivery rates seen in recent months on the Comex market have contributed to the increase in inventory. The August 2023 gold contract, for instance, saw 20,160 contracts stand for delivery, representing 100% of contracts and approximately 2,016,000 ounces of gold [3]. This trend, which has reversed the traditional pattern of less than 1% of contracts resulting in physical delivery, suggests a fundamental shift in market dynamics.

Investors should closely monitor these trends and consider the implications for gold prices and inventory levels. The geopolitical and financial tailwinds, such as de-dollarization and the erosion of trust in fiat currencies, suggest that gold's ascent is here to stay. For investors, prioritizing physical gold ownership and gold-backed assets, as well as exposure to gold mining stocks and related sectors, could be prudent strategies in the current market environment.

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202508196641/comex-gold-settles-055-lower-at-331340-data-talk
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/china-gold-mandate-structural-catalyst-4-500-ounce-gold-price-2508/
[3] https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/comex-gold-silver-delivery-2025/