Global physically backed gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) attracted their first inflows in May after a year, powered by additions to holdings by Europe- and Asia-listed funds, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Thursday. Safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as well as persistent central bank buying contributed to a rally in gold from March to May, taking spot prices XAU= to a record $2 449.89 per ounce on May 20.