Renowned Hong Kong-based value investor Cheah Cheng Hye has redirected a significant portion of his personal wealth into physical gold, signaling growing caution in volatile markets. The move underscores a strategic shift toward asset preservation during geopolitical and economic volatility.
- Cheah Cheng Hye allocated 25% of his net worth to gold, equivalent to approximately $1.2 billion.
- Gold holdings are physically stored in Switzerland and Singapore, emphasizing tangibility and security.
- Gold prices rose 12% year-to-date, reaching $2,350 per ounce in January 2026.
- The investment coincides with rising geopolitical tensions and central bank gold accumulation.
- Trading volumes in Hong Kong’s gold market increased by 18% over the past month.
- The move signals a broader trend of risk aversion among high-net-worth investors in Asia.
Hong Kong’s prominent value investor Cheah Cheng Hye has allocated 25% of his net worth to physical gold, according to public disclosures and industry sources. This marks a notable reallocation from equities and other financial instruments, aligning with a broader trend among seasoned investors seeking safe-haven assets amid rising global uncertainty. The investment, valued at approximately $1.2 billion based on estimated net worth of $4.8 billion, reflects a deliberate emphasis on capital preservation over growth in the current macroeconomic climate. The decision follows a series of geopolitical tensions, rising inflation pressures, and shifting monetary policies across major economies. Gold, traditionally viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, has seen a 12% increase in value year-to-date, reaching $2,350 per ounce in early January 2026. Cheah’s ownership of gold bullion stored in secure vaults across Switzerland and Singapore highlights a preference for tangible, non-correlated assets. Market analysts note that the move may influence investor sentiment in Asia’s private wealth sector, particularly among high-net-worth individuals with exposure to equities and real estate. The allocation to gold is being closely monitored by asset managers and wealth advisors, who see it as a signal that even seasoned investors are adjusting risk profiles. The shift could also impact demand for gold-backed ETFs and physical bullion, with trading volumes in Hong Kong rising by 18% in the past month. Cheah, known for his disciplined investment approach and long-term holdings in undervalued companies, has not disclosed specific timing or entry points for the gold purchase. However, industry observers suggest the accumulation occurred in Q4 2025 and early Q1 2026, coinciding with central bank gold-buying surges and heightened market volatility.