China is scrapping a long-standing gold tax incentive in a potential setback for consumers in one of the world's top bullion markets.
Starting on Nov. 1, Beijing will no longer allow retailers to offset a value-added tax when selling gold they bought from the Shanghai Gold Exchange, whether sold directly or after processing, according a new legislation from the Ministry of Finance.
The move should bolster government revenue at a time when a sluggish property market and weak economic growth have strained public coffers. But the changes will also likely increase the cost of buying gold for Chinese consumers.
A buying frenzy among retail investors around the world recently helped gold's record-breaking rally move to overbought territory, setting the precious metal up for an abrupt correction.
Gold's worst rout in more than a decade coincided with a reversal of relentless buying through exchange-traded-funds, which had been on the rise since late May. It also matched the end of seasonal buying linked to festivities in India. A trade truce between the US and China, meanwhile, eased demand for bullion as a haven asset.
China is scrapping a long-standing gold tax incentive in a potential setback for consumers in one of the world's top bullion markets.
Starting on Nov. 1, Beijing will no longer allow retailers to offset a value-added tax when selling gold they bought from the Shanghai Gold Exchange, whether sold directly or after processing, according a new legislation from the Ministry of Finance.
The move should bolster government revenue at a time when a sluggish property market and weak economic growth have strained public coffers. But the changes will also likely increase the cost of buying gold for Chinese consumers.
A buying frenzy among retail investors around the world recently helped gold's record-breaking rally move to overbought territory, setting the precious metal up for an abrupt correction.
Gold's worst rout in more than a decade coincided with a reversal of relentless buying through exchange-traded-funds, which had been on the rise since late May. It also matched the end of seasonal buying linked to festivities in India. A trade truce between the US and China, meanwhile, eased demand for bullion as a haven asset.
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