(Yicai Global) Sept. 21 -- The Shanghai Gold Exchange turned over CNY30.47 trillion (USD4.46 trillion) in precious metals from January to August, up 66.49 percent from the same period last year, according to data the exchange released today.

CNY17.34 trillion worth of gold changed hands, or 45.6 thousand tons in volume, in the first eight months, while CNY13.12 trillion in silver was transacted, weighing in at 2.77 million tons. Investors seeking shelter from Covid-19 fallout in these safe havens was the likely cause of these rises, which closely coincide with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Editor: Ben Armour