Central banks increase gold reserves at fastest pace in decades

Central banks increase gold reserves at fastest pace in decades

On February 22, 2026, the World Gold Council reported that central banks globally added gold to their reserves at the fastest pace in over 30 years. Total purchases reached approximately 1,200 metric tons in 2025, up from 980 metric tons in 2024.

Key contributors to the increase included China, India, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries. Central bank officials cited economic uncertainty, inflation hedging, and diversification of foreign reserves as primary reasons for boosting gold holdings.

Analysts noted that the trend reflects growing caution among national governments regarding reliance on U.S. dollar reserves and potential volatility in global financial markets. Purchases were concentrated in the fourth quarter of 2025, coinciding with heightened geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations.

The World Gold Council emphasized that central banks’ accumulation of gold is expected to continue in 2026, with countries seeking to strengthen monetary stability and diversify reserve portfolios.