Central Banks Globally to Increase Gold Reserves, Driving Up Prices: WGC Survey
A World Gold Council (WGC) 2026 survey indicates that central banks worldwide will continue to accumulate more gold, signaling sustained high gold prices for retail customers. This trend, a continuation from previous years, reflects gold's significance amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Central banks have averaged 1,000 tonnes of gold accumulation over the past four years, double the preceding decade's average. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aggressively expanded its gold reserves, growing from 822.1 tonnes in FY24 to 880.52 tonnes in FY26, with most responses collected after the West Asia conflict began.
Key Points
- Central banks globally are expected to increase their gold reserves, indicating a continued upward trend in gold prices.
- Gold is viewed as a significant asset amidst geopolitical and economic uncertainty, driving its accumulation by central banks.
- The pace of gold accumulation by central banks has doubled in the last four years compared to the previous decade.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) significantly expanded its gold reserves between FY24 and FY26.
- The survey highlights a growing share of gold in reserve portfolios, reflecting a positive outlook from reserve managers.
Exam Facts
- Survey by: World Gold Council (WGC).
- RBI gold reserves: 822.1 tonnes in FY24 to 880.52 tonnes in FY26.
- Average central bank accumulation: 1,000 tonnes over 4 years (double the 500 tonnes/decade average).
- Survey conducted: February 5 to May 19.
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