World Gold Council: central banks keep buying gold; gold becomes the world's largest reserve asset

According to the latest World Gold Council data in July 2026, official sector demand for gold has stayed strong in the opening months of the year, and the Council forecasts that the world's central banks will buy roughly 850 tonnes of gold in 2026. In its annual survey, 89% of reserve managers expect global central bank gold holdings to rise over the next 12 months, and a record 45% said their own institution's reserves would increase. In May, Poland added 18 tonnes (64 tonnes year to date), Kazakhstan 7 tonnes and Singapore 4 tonnes. Gold has now overtaken US Treasuries to become the world's largest reserve asset. This trend is a key pillar supporting the global gold price, which also drives Iran's gold and coin market.