News
Central Banks Increase Gold Purchases by 42% in Third Quarter 2026
Central banks worldwide significantly increased their gold purchases in the third quarter of 2026, despite a decline in the metal's market price. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), purchases increased by 42% to 321 tons, marking the highest quarterly figure since the end of 2024. Overall, gold purchases by central banks from the start of the year reached 675 tons. The WGC anticipates that gold acquisition volumes for 2026 will be at least as high as in 2025, which saw 848 tons of purchases. Among the main buyers were the central banks of Poland and China. While some central banks continue to increase their reserves, others are selling precious metals. Private investors reduced their purchases of gold coins and bars by 19% in the quarter, to 268 tons. Jewelry consumption also decreased by 17%, to 313 tons, the lowest level for the third quarter since 2000. Meanwhile, investment funds, holding physical gold, increased their purchases to 211 tons in the quarter. The WGC attributed this trend to concerns about government finances and general economic uncertainty, even as the dollar strengthened and bond yields rose.