Central banks are preparing for a record gold rush: a signal for the market
Global financial regulators are showing an unprecedented appetite for gold. According to fresh survey data from the World Gold Council, which included 74 central banks, 45% stated their intention to increase gold reserves over the next 12 months. This is an absolute record in the history of observations.
The figure has more than doubled compared to 2020 and marks the third consecutive annual increase. This is not a temporary spike, but the formation of a sustained long-term trend. Analysts emphasize that regulators are actively using price dips to build positions, indicating deep strategic confidence in this asset.
Record demand from emerging markets
The locomotive of this movement is predictably the central banks of developing countries. The share of regulators from this group planning purchases rose from 48% last year to approximately 53% this year. This shift in demand clearly reflects their desire for qualitative diversification of reserves and reduced dependence on traditional currency assets, primarily the US dollar.
The overall market sentiment is also extremely optimistic. 89% of all surveyed central banks expect global gold reserves to increase in the coming year. This is the second highest result in the history of such surveys, only slightly below the peak value of 2025 (95%). Notably, none of the regulators forecast a decline.
The combination of record individual plans and near-universal expectations of growth paints a powerful bullish picture. Central banks view current price levels not as a reason for caution, but as an excellent entry opportunity. This is the strongest signal for the entire safe-haven asset market.
Expert comment: The actions of central banks are not just metal purchases, but a fundamental shift in the global financial architecture. The mass rejection of dollar dependence in favor of gold creates a powerful long-term foundation for price growth. For crypto investors, this is also an important indicator: gold's strengthening often precedes a rise in interest in bitcoin as a digital equivalent of a safe-haven asset.