Mr. Shaokai Fan, Head of Asia Pacific (excluding China) and Global Head of Central Banks World Gold Council (WGC) informed that after conducting a survey for eight years, the result showed that half of central banks that responded to the survey have plans to increase gold reserves in 2026.
When comparing the gold’s prices that hit new records multiple times throughout the year, the data reflected the current global and regional economic status. Gold is still considered as strategic assets while the world is facing uncertainty and volatility. Central banks revealed their concerns on interest rates, inflation, and uncertainty, motivating them to focus on gold to diversify the risk.
According to WGC’s 2025 report, 95% of central banks’ reserve fund managers are confident that the banks would continue to increase their gold holdings for the next 12 months. This confidence level is the highest rate since 2019, when the survey conducted began, while representing a 17% increase compared to last year despite gold prices reaching new heights multiple times.
The central banks have been continuing to buy gold for 15 years straight. According to a survey conducted on 73 central banks, 43% of them plan to increase their gold reserves within the next year.
Respondents have provided several key reasons why gold remains a safe asset. 80% valued gold as long-term assets, while 81% stated that the asset diversifies the risk in the investment portfolio. Additionally, 85% stated that gold has performed well during the economic crisis, especially among Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDE).
48% of EMDE are likely to increase their gold holding within the next year, while only 21% of advanced economies are likely to do so. Although the figure in advanced economics seems small, it is still higher than last year. 84% of EMDE also pays attention to the risk of inflation, while 81% focus on geopolitical tensions.
Furthermore, the survey also found that 59% of global central banks have already increased the domestic gold reserve, an increase from last year’s 41%.
