World gold breaks through strongly, domestic gold increases slower
After a month, the international gold market recorded a strong increase when world gold prices increased from 4,024.3 USD/ounce on July 21, 2026 to 4,533 USD/ounce on August 21, 2026, equivalent to an increase of 508.7 USD/ounce (i.e., about 12.6%).
This is a significant increase, reflecting the attractiveness of gold in the context of global investors seeking safe-haven assets and expecting changes in monetary policy.
However, contrary to developments in the international market, domestic gold prices only increased slightly in many brands. The increase in both SJC gold bars and 9999 gold rings mainly ranged from more than 1 million VND to more than 2 million VND/tael in each transaction direction.
The difference between the growth rate of world gold prices and domestic gold prices has caused many gold buyers before to not earn profits, and even still suffer losses when selling.
SJC gold bar buyers lose 2.7 million VND/tael after a month
At Phu Quy and DOJI, SJC gold bar prices on August 21, 2026 were both listed at 143.6-146.6 million VND/tael (buying - selling). Compared to a month ago, the price at Phu Quy increased by 1.1 million VND/tael on the buying side (about 0.77%) and increased by 600,000 VND/tael on the selling side (about 0.41%); while DOJI increased by 600,000 VND/tael in both directions (about 0.42%).
At Bao Tin Minh Chau alone, the current SJC gold bar price is at 143.9-147.9 million VND/tael, an increase of 1.3 million VND/tael in both buying and selling directions (about 0.91% in the buying direction and 0.89% in the selling direction) compared to a month ago.
Gold rings increased more sharply but still did not help investors make a profit
For 9999 gold rings, the increase in a month is somewhat more positive but not enough to compensate for the buying-selling difference.
In Phu Quy, the price of gold rings increased from 141.5 - 145 million VND/tael to 143.6 - 146.6 million VND/tael. Gold buyers a month ago are still losing about 1.4 million VND/tael.
Meanwhile, people who bought DOJI gold rings on July 21, 2026 are suffering a loss of about 2.2 million VND/tael. With Bao Tin Minh Chau, the loss is also up to 2.7 million VND/tael.
A noteworthy point is that although world gold prices increased sharply by more than 500 USD/ounce, domestic gold prices did not increase correspondingly. The reasons come from many factors such as high buying-selling price differences, domestic supply and demand developments and the specific adjustments of each gold business.
Major risks when buying gold based on crowd psychology
Currently, the difference between the buying and selling prices at many brands is still maintained at 3-4 million VND/tael.
People should not follow the psychology of fearing missing opportunities when gold prices continuously increase sharply. Buying in high prices can put investors at risk of losses if the market reverses direction.
Especially, in the context that world gold prices have increased sharply for a long time and adjustment sessions are appearing, if the downward trend continues, the domestic gold market may be under deep downward pressure. At that time, buyers in high price zones may face additional risks of price loss.
The article updates market developments, not investment recommendations; investors need to consider before making a decision.
