Central Banks Kept Buying Gold Through The 2026 Price Slide
Central banks' net purchases hit 244 tonnes in Q1 2026, beating both the prior quarter and the five-year average.
- Purchases rose 17% from the previous quarter and 3% from Q1 2025's 237 tonnes.
- WGC's companion survey polled 73 to 76 central banks on their reserve strategies for 2026.
- 74% of surveyed banks expect the dollar's share of reserves to shrink within five years.
Why it matters: Central banks hold gold because it is the one reserve asset no government can freeze.
World Gold Council, Gold Demand Trends Q1 2026 ↗ · Jul 15, 20267/15/26