It’s not the new iPhone causing lines around city blocks this week, but gold. From Singapore to Sydney, and even Vietnam, crowds of retail buyers are queuing outside bullion shops to purchase physical gold and silver, many arriving before sunrise.
The current craze has pushed gold prices to record highs, and as the total market capitalization of gold surpasses an astounding $30 trillion, analysts are weighing in on what this means for both gold investors and the broader market. The question on many lips, especially among Bitcoin enthusiasts, is whether retail investors are missing the next big shift towards “digital gold.”
Gold Fever Goes Global: Retail Queues Signal Market Euphoria as Bitcoin Waits Its Turn
Across the globe, scenes of consumers desperately seeking gold have become viral sensations. Videos from BullionStar in Singapore depict long lines before the store opens, a scene mirrored outside ABC Bullion in Sydney and various outlets in Vietnam. Interest in gold is spilling over to silver as well, with reports indicating surging demand among different demographics.
“It’s not just Gold; people are also buying silver. I stood around the shop in Martin Place for over 2 hours. There were many young people in the crowd, even though the demographic was largely 40 and above,” a local Sydney buyer explained.
In Vietnam, reports from Chay Bowes indicate that customers line up from dawn to buy gold, with several gold shops even announcing they are out of stock. This widespread retail FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is compelling many shops to display signs stating “Temporarily Out of Stock.”
This global “herd mentality” extends beyond Australia and Vietnam. In Japan, Tanaka Precious Metal Group Co. has noted that they cannot keep up with demand, requiring a strengthening of their production systems to maintain a stable supply.
“We are working to quickly resume stable supply to customers,” the company confirmed.
This surge in physical gold purchases follows a pro-gold legislative decision in Florida, where a bill was signed allowing gold and silver coins to become legal tender and sales tax-exempt starting in July 2026. The combination of legal support and an energized market has fueled the ongoing buying frenzy.
Signs of Euphoria and “Blowoff Top”
Despite the frenzy, market experts are issuing warnings about the nature of such a buying spree. Many believe the current gold rally is “long in the tooth,” with veteran traders expressing concerns that retail buying often signals market tops.
“This mania could lead to lines for people selling back,” cautioned one analyst, highlighting the cyclical nature of speculative asset buying.
As of now, gold is trading at $4,330 per ounce, soaring to an all-time high. Analysts observe that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows parabolic momentum, further confirming the heightened activity around gold.
“This is what retail FOMO looks like! Hundreds are lining up to buy $GOLD literally at the top. A clear top signal is evident here,” another analyst noted.
Analysts Anticipate Bitcoin’s Rotation Moment
The explosive growth within the gold market is noteworthy, but several analysts suggest that this euphoria could easily transition into a shift towards Bitcoin. Following gold’s ascent to a historic market cap of $30.154 trillion, some believe a liquidity rotation into cryptocurrency is imminent.
“Gold has now reached the euphoria phase. Expect a local top around October 29th during the FOMC meeting, after which a significant liquidity rotation into Bitcoin will occur,” predicted analyst Ash Crypto, suggesting a monumental bull run in crypto is on the horizon.
Furthermore, analysts like Jelle underscore the potential for Bitcoin to emerge as the next attractive asset for investors, citing the peculiar behavior of markets and consumer sentiments.
While retail enthusiasm for gold presents significant opportunities, the macroeconomic climate—including potential developments concerning President Trump—could prolong this gold rush for an extended period of 2-3 years. Observers will be vigilant as the tides of market sentiment shift, watching for Bitcoin’s moment in the sun.