Central Banks Set to Purchase 750-850 Tons of Gold in 2026 to Diversify Reserves

The World Gold Council revealed in its latest report that central banks around the world are on track to purchase between 750 and 850 tons of gold during 2026, continuing a strategic trend that has accelerated since 2022.

These expectations come amid declining confidence in the US dollar as a primary reserve asset, as many countries seek to reduce their reliance on the American currency and increase the share of gold in their portfolios for the protection it provides during times of crisis.

Analysts believe that this level of purchasing, if realized, will support gold prices at high levels throughout the year, even amid a decline in demand from retail investors or rising interest rates in major economies.

Regarding the most prominent expected buyers, countries such as China, India, Turkey, and some Gulf states top the list, as these are countries working to build more diversified reserves that are less reliant on dollar assets.

What do these terms mean?

World Gold Council: An international organization comprising major gold mining companies, aimed at developing demand for gold and providing market data to investors and central banks.

Gold Reserves: The quantities of gold held by central banks as part of their official reserves, used to support their national currency and cover their international obligations.

Diversification Away from the Dollar: A strategy adopted by many countries to reduce the proportion of the dollar in their reserves and increase the share of other assets such as gold, the euro, and emerging market currencies.