In the month of August, gold exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) saw a net inflow of Rs 145 crore, the highest since December 2012. It is also the first inflow in 9 months as investor demand for the metal increased amid rallying prices and a weaker rupee.

According to latest data available with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), a net sum of Rs 145.29 crore was pumped in gold-linked ETFs last month, marking a significant pick up in terms of month-on-month as well as a year-on-year basis. In July, there was an outflow of Rs 17.66 crore and in August 2018 the outflow was Rs 45 crore.

It was also the first inflow since November 2018 when Rs 10 crore was infused in Gold ETFs.

Prior to this, gold ETFs had seen a net inflow of Rs 20 crore in October 2016 and before that, an inflow of Rs 5 crore was witnessed in such funds in May 2013.

The latest inflow pushed asset under management (AUM) of gold funds to Rs 5,799 crore in August-end from Rs 5,080 crore at the end of July.

Over the last few years, retail investors have been betting on equities rather than gold for their high returns.

In 2012, gold ETFs saw an inflow of Rs 1,826 crore, following which, there were 6 consecutive years of outflows.