World Gold Council

Following a historical high level of central bank gold buying, gold continues to be viewed favourably by central banks. 24% of central banks intend to increase their holding reserves in the next 12 months.

In May, central banks reported adding a net 35t to global gold reserves. This is the second consecutive month of net buying, having recently oscillated between monthly net purchases and sales.

Looking ahead, gold might attract further interest as a diversifier as central banks seek to reduce exposure to risk amid heightened uncertainty. Our expectation stands for central banks to remain net purchasers for 2022.

Strong growth in global investment demand for gold in Q3 partly offset weakness elsewhere as COVID-19 remained in the driving seat.

Gold demand was 1,123t in Q2, up 8% y-o-y. H1 demand jumped to a three-year high of 2,181.7t, largely due to record-breaking central bank purchases.

Gold is a highly liquid yet scarce asset, and it is no one’s liability. It is bought as a luxury good as much as an investment. As such, gold can play four fundamental roles in a portfolio: a source of long-term returns, a diversifier that can mitigate losses in times of market stress, a liquid asse...

Gold demand was 964.3t in Q3, just 6.2t higher y-o-y. Robust central bank buying and a 13% rise in consumer demand offset large ETF outflows.

Here's a look at the 20 largest holders of gold on the planet according to the World Gold Council report in January 2014.