Hong Kong gold price explained: how to read it, calculate it, and why it moves
For many people in Hong Kong, gold is more than jewellery — it is a store of value passed down generations. Whether you want to buy gold ornaments, save in gold bars, or simply check today's price per tael, understanding how the gold price is formed matters. This page walks from the international quote to the "tael" Hong Kong knows best, and teaches you to read a shop's bid and ask prices.
How the HK price relates to the international price
Globally, gold is quoted in "US dollars per troy ounce", where 1 oz ≈ 31.1035 grams. Hong Kong has no independent gold price; it follows the international price set in London and New York, then converts to HKD per tael using the USD-HKD rate (the HKD is pegged to the USD, long held at 7.75–7.85).
Reference per tael = per gram × 37.429 (HK troy tael in grams)
"Ask" vs "bid" (important)
New buyers often confuse a shop's two prices:
- Ask price (you pay to buy): the price the shop sells gold to you — higher, including labour and retail premium.
- Bid price (you receive when selling): the price the shop pays to buy gold from you — lower. The gap between them is the spread.
This site lists both bid and ask for every shop so you can compare at a glance. Before selling, shop around — bid prices can differ by hundreds of dollars per tael.
Are "pure gold", "fine gold" and 24K the same?
| Mark | Purity | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 999.9 / fine gold | 99.99% | Bars, pellets, investment gold |
| 999 / pure gold / 24K | 99.0%+ | Traditional jewellery, wedding gold |
| 22K (916) | 91.6% | Higher-purity jewellery |
| 18K (750) | 75% | Fashion jewellery, gem settings |
| 14K (585) | 58.5% | Lower-cost jewellery |
What drives the gold price up and down
- US dollar strength: gold is priced in USD, so a stronger dollar usually weighs on gold.
- Rates and inflation: the lower real rates, the lower the cost of holding gold, which tends to support prices.
- Risk sentiment: geopolitical and market stress drive money into gold.
- Central bank buying: ongoing accumulation by central banks provides long-term support.
Read more (中文): Bars vs jewellery · Shop spread comparison · Silver price