China’s February net gold imports via Hong Kong nearly tripled from the previous month, surging on the back of a rebound in demand post Lunar New Year celebrations and a drop in bullion prices through the month. Net imports into the world’s top gold consumer stood at 64.878 tonnes in February, compared with 22.24 tonnes in January, Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department data showed on Monday. Total gold imports via Hong Kong surged to 65.552 tonnes from January’s 22.992 tonnes. Given that gold prices rose above $1,950 at the start of February and were below $1,850 for the second half of the month, this increase ... (full story)