\n<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, analysts expect gold to remain an attractive investment option.<\/p>\n
Ms Yeah Lee Ching, managing director of retail and trading at ValueMax Group, one of Singapore\u2019s largest pawnbroking chains, said customers are \u201cbringing in more gold in all kinds of designs\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are of a higher value than before. With gold prices at elevated levels, even items that are small and tiny are now meaningful in value,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
She noted that more people pawned items last year compared to 2024. Younger professionals in their late 20s to 40s are also using instant cash to support business needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is because pawning is becoming more mainstream for raising short-term financing,\u201d said Ms Yeah.<\/p>\n
Interest charges also tend to be lower, as the loan amounts are smaller. There are no late fees or administrative charges, unlike bank loans.<\/p>\n
\u201cPawning will increasingly be seen as a smart cash flow tool. What we are seeing is smarter financial behaviour,\u201d said Ms Yeah.<\/p>\n
\u201cCustomers are leveraging the higher gold prices to access liquidity while retaining ownership of their assets. So pawning today is less about necessity and more about financial flexibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
The trend is not limited to Singapore.<\/p>\n
The World Gold Council says pawning has been gaining popularity in India in recent months, and it expects the momentum to continue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n