24.03.2026 11:21
The World Gold Council announced that central banks will accelerate gold purchases throughout 2026 due to the trend of de-dollarization and increasing geopolitical risks, that countries which have long been absent from the market are returning to buying, and that strategic demand for gold continues despite the decline in prices.
The World Gold Council (WGC) announced that central banks are expected to increase gold purchases throughout 2026 in order to protect against the trends of dollar de-dollarization and rising geopolitical risks. Increasing uncertainties on a global scale have renewed demand for gold.
THEY HAVE STARTED TO PURCHASE GOLD
WGC official Shaokai Fan, speaking to Reuters, noted that countries such as Guatemala, Indonesia, and Malaysia have made gold purchases after a long hiatus or for the first time. Fan stated that the return of central banks that have been inactive in the market for a long time to the gold market is a remarkable trend.
NEW TREND: THE RETURN OF CENTRAL BANKS
Fan emphasized that this trend could continue throughout 2026, stating that some central banks aim to support the local sector and reduce unregistered production by purchasing gold from local small-scale producers.
SHARP DECLINE IN GOLD PRICES
On the other hand, there has been a notable decline in gold prices recently. The price of gold per ounce has dropped to around $4,340 this month, losing over $1,000 in value. The World Gold Council indicated that calls for margin completion have been effective in this decline. Global economic developments and the strategies of central banks will continue to be decisive for the direction of the gold market in the upcoming period.