Spot gold hit a new record: US$3,167.57/oz on Thursday +19% year-to-date | +71% since end-2022 Key Takeaways: Trump’s Return Drives Structural De-Dollarisation Central banks are shifting reserves away from the US dollar and Treasuries due to: Tariff escalation and trade wars Unpredictable foreign policy (Ukraine, alliances) Concerns over long-term USD stability Quote: “Uncertainty about US economic policy will remain for years to come.” – Michael Widmer, BofA Central Bank Buying Already Surging Q4 2024: Purchases up 54% year-on-year to 333 tonnes (World Gold Council) Emerging market central banks currently hold around 10% of reserves in gold; BofA suggests a target of 30%, implying: 11,000 tonnes of potential future demand Demand Outlook: Stronger and Stealthier 2025 may see record-high central bank demand in decades Only 34% of estimated 2024 buying reported to IMF — suggesting undisclosed accumulation to avoid political friction with US Quote: “Trump has threatened tariffs on countri...
New Zealand has revamped its Active Investor Plus visa, removing key barriers to attract foreign capital. Early signs suggest strong interest from the US, Europe, and Asia—positioning the country as a rare safe haven in a fragmented global landscape.
Policy Shift: A Strategic Reset
New Zealand is reopening its doors to affluent investors with a redesigned Active Investor Plus visa, aimed at:
Reviving foreign direct investment post-recession.
Funding infrastructure and growth initiatives.
Enhancing the country’s appeal as a geopolitical safe haven.
Key updates to the visa:
English-language requirement removed.
Minimum stay period reduced.
Investment categories streamlined.
Minimum thresholds lowered.
Two investment tracks are now available:
Growth Path: NZ$5 million in high-risk assets; 21-day stay over 3 years.
Balanced Path: NZ$10 million in diversified assets; 105-day stay over 5 years (reducible with higher investment).
Investor Response: Global Interest Rising
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford reports strong demand from the US, Germany, China, Japan, and Indonesia.
Immigration agents confirm a significant surge in inquiries, especially after language and residency requirements were eased.
Applications officially opened April 1.
Policy Roadblocks: Foreign Property Restrictions
Despite investor enthusiasm, a 2018 foreign buyer ban limits property access for non-residents, with exceptions only for Australia and Singapore.
Stanford signals potential reforms, stating it's under active discussion within the coalition.
A proposed amendment to allow foreigners to purchase homes over NZ$2 million was blocked during coalition talks but remains on the table.
Coalition partner Winston Peters has shown conditional openness—if homebuyers also commit to broader investments.
Key Takeaways
New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa reset positions the country competitively as other major markets scale back investor residency programs.
The updated program could reignite capital inflows, reversing a sharp drop in investment under previous rules.
Loosening real estate restrictions could further boost appeal—pending political consensus.
In a volatile geopolitical climate, New Zealand is emerging as a preferred safe haven for high-net-worth individuals seeking stability, lifestyle, and long-term diversification.
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