Gold accounted for 27% of foreign reserves held by central banks globally at the end of 2025, the European Central Bank said, up from 20% a year earlier. That increase put the precious metal ahead of U.S. Treasurys - which made up 22% of reserves - and the euro, at 15%. Other dollar-based reserves represented 20% of holdings.
The ECB attributed the rising weight of gold in reserve portfolios mainly to higher market prices rather than to a surge in central bank purchases. Over the past 12 months, gold prices climbed by more than one-third, a move that lifted the metal's share of reserve assets even as institutions became less eager to add to their holdings.
As prices rose, central bank appetite for new gold acquisitions softened, the ECB said, reversing a period of robust buying. The report also noted a notable country-level adjustment earlier this year: Turkey sold or loaned a substantial quantity of gold in an effort to defend its currency following attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel, according to the ECB.
On the demand side, the World Gold Council reported that global gold demand increased 2% year-on-year to 1,230.9 metric tons in the first quarter of 2026. That modest rise reflected a mix of stronger demand for bars and coins and a 3% increase in central bank buying, which together offset a 23% drop in jewellery demand.
The WGC's data showed that first-quarter purchases of bars and coins rose across almost all markets, with the exceptions of Iran and Vietnam. China led the gains in this segment, where demand for bars and coins surged 67% to 206.9 tons - the strongest quarter on record for that category.
China's central bank also continued its steady accumulation of bullion. The People's Bank of China bought more gold for an 18th consecutive month, bringing its reserves to 74.64 million fine troy ounces by the end of March, up from 74.38 million the month before. The value of China's gold reserves stood at $344.17 billion at the end of last month, compared with $342.76 billion a month earlier, according to PBoC data released last week.
Implications
The shift in reserve composition reflects price dynamics as much as allocation decisions. With gold's share rising on the back of a substantial price rally, reserve managers faced both valuation effects and changing incentives to purchase additional metal. The contrasting moves in different demand channels - strong bar and coin purchases and central bank additions versus a sharp fall in jewellery consumption - underscore varying drivers across the market.
Key points
- Gold made up 27% of central bank foreign reserves at end-2025, up from 20% a year earlier.
- U.S. Treasurys accounted for 22% and the euro 15% of reserves; other dollar-based assets were 20%.
- Global gold demand rose 2% year-on-year to 1,230.9 metric tons in Q1 2026, with bars and coins and central bank buying offsetting a 23% fall in jewellery demand.
Risks and uncertainties
- Higher gold prices have reduced central banks' willingness to buy, creating uncertainty about whether the metal's elevated share reflects lasting policy shifts or temporary valuation effects - this affects sovereign balance sheets and reserve management strategies.
- Geopolitical actions can prompt sales or loans of bullion, as illustrated by Turkey's significant gold transaction earlier this year to defend its currency following attacks on Iran - this can influence currency markets and national reserve liquidity.
- Demand composition varies sharply by segment: a 23% plunge in jewellery demand contrasts with strong bar and coin purchases, adding uncertainty for industries tied to consumer demand and for miners' sales outlooks.