Gold demand remains near record highs as central bank buying surges 42% – WGC

The World Gold Council reports that global gold demand remains near record highs, with central bank purchases surging 42% over the period covered. Central bank accumulation of this scale typically reflects reserve diversification away from dollar-denominated assets and a structural preference for holding non-yielding, sanction-resistant reserves, which supports gold independently of short-term real rate movements. Gold is the most directly exposed asset, as sustained official-sector buying creates a persistent bid that can cushion price declines during periods of rising real yields that would otherwise weigh on the metal. Traders should watch the WGC's quarterly Gold Demand Trends release and the next round of central bank reserve data from the IMF's COFER report, as confirmation of continued official buying would reinforce the demand floor under gold prices.

Gold (XAU/USD) is a safe-haven asset and inflation hedge. Major drivers include Fed policy (real yields), central bank buying (PBOC, RBI), ETF flows, and geopolitical risk. Gold often moves inversely to DXY and real US yields.

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