Natural and catastrophic events · Pandemic and public health crises
Pandemics and other public health crises may cause a curtailment of business activities which may potentially impact the ability of the Sponsor and its service providers to operate. The COVID-19 pandemic had substantive effects on social, economic and financial systems, including significant uncertainty and volatility in the financial markets.
Geopolitical and trade · International conflicts and tensions
On October 7, 2023, militants from Gaza attacked Israeli towns. In response to the attack, Israel declared war against Hamas. The conflict has escalated and Israel is fighting adversaries across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen and Iran. These events could increase financial market volatility, have adverse effects on regional and global economic markets, and cause volatility in the price of gold.
Economic and market conditions · Economic recession and downturns
The possibility of large-scale distress sales of gold in times of crisis may have a negative impact on the price of gold and adversely affect an investment in the Shares. For example, the 2008 financial crisis resulted in significant sales of gold by individuals which depressed the price of gold.
Geopolitical and trade · International conflicts and tensions
On October 7, 2023, militants from Gaza attacked Israeli towns, killed Israeli civilians and soldiers and took hostages. The responses of countries and political bodies to these events, the larger overarching tensions, Israel's military response and the potential for wider conflict may increase financial market volatility generally, have adverse effects on regional and global economic markets, and cause volatility in the price of gold and the price of the Shares.
Economic and market conditions · Economic recession and downturns
The possibility of large-scale distress sales of gold in times of crisis may have a negative impact on the price of gold and adversely affect an investment in the Shares. For example, the 2008 financial crisis resulted in significant sales of gold by individuals which depressed the price of gold.
Natural and catastrophic events · Pandemic and public health crises
Pandemics and other public health crises may cause a curtailment of business activities which may potentially impact the ability of the Sponsor and its service providers to operate. The COVID-19 pandemic or a similar public health threat could adversely impact the Trust by causing operating delays and disruptions, market disruption and shutdowns.
Geopolitical and trade · Trade policies tariffs and sanctions
On March 7, 2022, the LBMA suspended its accreditation of six Russian precious metals refiners. Following an announcement at the G7 Summit to collectively ban the import of Russian gold, the UK, US and EU passed regulations which prohibit the import of gold that originated in Russia.