World Gold Council: Central Bank Gold Purchases Plunge 80% in January, but New Players Entering Suggest Larger Trend

According to the latest data from the World Gold Council, central bank gold purchases in January were less than 20% of the average monthly demand in 2025. However, new sovereign players have entered the market, indicating that the demand base for gold reserve accumulation is expanding.

"Compared to the average monthly purchase of 27 tons over the previous 12 months, the momentum of central bank gold buying has slowed at the beginning of the year," wrote Marissa Salim, Senior Research Director for Asia Pacific at the World Gold Council (WGC), in her latest monthly report. "The net purchase in January totaled 5 tons. Gold price volatility and holiday factors may have caused some central banks to pause, but geopolitical tensions, showing little sign of easing, are likely to drive continued gold purchases into 2026 and beyond."