Central Banks Increase Gold Holdings Amid Geopolitical Risks

Central banks have purchased an average of 1,000 tonnes of gold annually over the past four years, double the previous decade’s average. A World Gold Council survey shows that nearly 90% of participating central banks expect their gold reserves to increase in the next year, while only 1% foresee a decline. As concerns over the accessibility of overseas assets rise—exacerbated by events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine—more central banks are opting to store gold domestically. This trend could provide a stable foundation for the gold market, particularly with estimates that central banks may buy 750-1,000 metric tonnes of gold this year.