According to @CNBC, wealthy investors are leasing idle gold bars to generate income as gold prices remain at historic highs, indicating active use of bullion lending to monetize holdings (source: CNBC). In the London OTC market, gold leasing enables owners to lend physical bars to market participants in exchange for a lease rate, with economics reflected in the gold forward curve and interest differentials (source: LBMA). For traders, increased lending supply generally eases lease rates and can narrow spot–forward premiums, directly affecting XAUUSD carry trades and short-borrow costs (source: LBMA). Monitoring gold lease rates and OTC forward points can help gauge physical tightness and funding conditions if this leasing trend persists (source: LBMA). Research shows gold and Bitcoin play different roles, with low and time‑varying correlation, so gold-specific leasing and safe-haven flows typically do not map directly to BTC, underscoring distinct drivers across digital and precious metals markets (source: World Gold Council).