Learn More About Gold Prices
The variety of gold prices and benchmarks online can be confusing. Wondering if they all mean the same thing? Here’s a simple explanation, courtesy of Lion Global Investors (LGI).
When tracking your investment, it’s important to understand the difference between the global price of gold (the commodity), and the unit price of an investment in a gold fund. Here is how they compare:
| Mari Invest Gold in SGD | LBMA Gold Price in USD | Spot Gold in USD | |
| Primary Usage | To determine the daily price per unit of the Fund. | Official global benchmark used by institutions for consistent valuation | Live trading of gold derivative contracts and physical bullion |
| How Price is Determined | Tracks LBMA Gold Price AM (after fees & expenses) | Determined via electronic auction by LBMA members | Driven by live supply and demand forces across global markets (before spread & fees) |
| Oversight & Governance | Fund valuation performed by Administrator (Standard Chartered Bank Singapore) | Regulated by ICE Benchmark Administration (IBA) Limited | No centralised oversight (market-driven) |
| Frequency of Calculation | Once daily*, on a forward-pricing basis | Twice daily* (AM/PM) | Based on live prices |
| Where to Find^ | MariBank app or LGI website 1 | LBMA website 2 (delayed or license-controlled) | Multiple platforms/websites 3 |
Why does the Fund track the LBMA Gold Price AM?
In Singapore, the Code on Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) requires gold funds to base asset valuations on the LBMA Gold Price administered by the IBA.
Consequently, the NAV per unit typically tracks this benchmark, net of fees and expenses, as well as hedging cost.
Source: Lion Global Investors, <26 May 2026>
*Daily refers to dealing days
^These links will take you to third-party websites not operated by MariBank. We provide these links for your convenience only and do not endorse, guarantee, or monitor the content, products, or services offered there. Your use of the external website is subject to its own terms and privacy policies, and MariBank is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from your use of that site.
1 LGI website
2 LBMA website
3 Multiple platform / websites example
Our 24/7 Customer Service Team is here for you if you have any questions!