Sales of gold-themed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in China jumped sharply in the first nine months of this year, reaching 79.02 tons, according to data from the China Gold Association (CGA).

Domestic gold ETF holdings rose by 29.93 tons, up 164.03% year-on-year, bringing total holdings to 193.75 tons as of the end of September, the CGA said.

Gold ETFs — funds traded on stock exchanges that typically track the price of gold — have become increasingly popular among Chinese investors seeking liquidity, transparency, and a hedge against market volatility.