Global central banks increased their gold purchases in the third quarter of 2025, signaling a continued commitment to gold as a strategic reserve asset. According to the World Gold Council, central banks bought a net 220 tonnes of gold marking a 10% rise compared with Q3 2024. This also represents a 28% increase from the previous quarter, highlighting a renewed pace of accumulation after a period of slower buying.
Despite elevated gold prices, monetary authorities are prioritizing diversification of their reserves, hedging against inflation, currency volatility, and geopolitical risks. Notable contributors to this trend include the National Bank of Kazakhstan, which acquired 18 tonnes, and the Central Bank of Brazil, which returned to the market after a multi-year hiatus, buying around 15 tonnes.
Year-to-date, central banks have added 634 tonnes of gold, slightly below the 724 tonnes purchased during the same period last year but still well above pre-2022 levels. Analysts say these purchases underscore the enduring appeal of gold as a safe-haven asset and a hedge against economic uncertainty.
The steady rise in central bank buying demonstrates that, even amid high prices, gold remains a cornerstone of global reserve management, reinforcing its role as a store of value in turbulent times.
