Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Central banks raise gold buying 42% as gold funds reach record holdings
Central banks bought 321 tonnes of gold worldwide in the third quarter of 2026, 42% more than a year earlier.
Their purchases were the highest for a quarter since late 2024, and brought their total for the first nine months to 675 tonnes.
Gold-backed investment funds drew 211 tonnes during the quarter, after investors withdrew gold from them in the previous quarter.
The funds’ holdings reached a record 4,256 tonnes, while people buying bars and coins purchased 19% less gold than a year earlier.
High prices cut jewellery demand by 17% to 313 tonnes, even as the value of jewellery purchases rose.
Central banks and funds are driving demand as they use gold to diversify investments and respond to economic and geopolitical risks.
Gold use in technology also rose 3%, partly because of electronics production linked to artificial intelligence.
Central banks bought 321 tons of gold worldwide in the third quarter of 2026, the fastest pace since late 2024.
Purchases rose 42% from the third quarter of 2025, according to the World Gold Council.
The WGC said central bank buying strengthened in the second and third quarters after a subdued start to the year.
Gold-backed exchange-traded funds attracted 211 tons in the quarter, while demand for bars and coins fell 19% year over year.
- Who
- Central banks worldwide.
- What
- They bought 321 tons of gold, up 42% from the third quarter of 2025.
- When
- The third quarter of 2026, from July to September.
- Where
- Worldwide.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Central bank gold purchases were subdued at the start of the year, according to the WGC.
Central bank gold buying strengthened, more than offsetting the weak start to the year.
Central banks bought 321 tons of gold worldwide.
The WGC released its quarterly report.
- Central bank purchases
- 321 tons in the third quarter of 2026
- Year-over-year increase
- 42%
- Purchases since start of year
- 675 tons
- Gold ETF demand
- 211 tons in the third quarter
- Demand for bars and coins
- Nearly 268 tons, down 19% year over year
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What people are saying
Die Nachfrage der Zentralbanken blieb stark