Gold Reserves: Gold continues to play a crucial role in central bank reserves due to its safety, liquidity, and return characteristics. These three factors are the main objectives for central bank investments, making gold a significant asset for many countries. Central banks collectively hold about 20 per cent of all the gold mined in history, highlighting its importance in global financial systems.
To better understand the central banks' involvement in the gold market, the World Gold Council publishes gold reserve data, sourced from the International Monetary Fund’s International Financial Statistics (IFS). This data, updated in August 2024, tracks reported purchases and sales by central banks and other official institutions. It also includes gold as a percentage of a country’s international reserves.
The latest data is primarily from June 2024 for most countries, with some countries reporting as of May 2024 or earlier. Adjustments are made when the World Gold Council becomes aware of unreported changes or errors in the IMF's data.
Why Do Countries Hold Gold Reserves?
Countries maintain gold reserves for several key reasons.
- Store of Value: Gold is seen as a reliable store of value. By holding gold, countries project economic stability, particularly during periods of financial uncertainty.
- Currency Stability: Historically, gold played a role in supporting national currencies. While the gold standard is no longer widely used, some countries still see gold reserves as a tool to maintain currency stability.
- Diversification: Gold helps diversify a country’s reserves, reducing risk from fluctuations in other asset values. As a tangible asset, gold provides a hedge against market volatility.
- Inverse Correlation with the US Dollar: Gold’s value often rises when the US dollar declines, allowing central banks to protect their reserves in times of market instability.
- Role in International Trade and Finance: Some nations use gold to settle trade imbalances or as collateral for loans. Having gold reserves enhances a country's creditworthiness and strengthens its position in the global economic system.
- Hedge Against Crises: During economic downturns or geopolitical instability, gold tends to appreciate in value. This makes it a safeguard against inflation and currency devaluation, providing central banks with additional security in times of crisis.
As countries face ongoing financial uncertainties, gold remains a vital component of central bank reserves, helping to ensure economic stability, diversification, and resilience in global markets.
WORLD OFFICIAL GOLD HOLDINGS
International Financial Statistics, September 2024
| Rank | Country/Organisation | Gold Reserves (Metric Tons) | % of Reserves in Gold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 8,133.5 | 73.2% | Jul 2024 |
| 2 | Germany | 3,351.5 | 72.5% | Jul 2024 |
| 3 | IMF | 2,814.0 | - | Jul 2024 |
| 4 | Italy | 2,451.8 | 69.2% | Jul 2024 |
| 5 | France | 2,436.9 | 70.9% | Jul 2024 |
| 6 | Russian Federation | 2,335.9 | 30.3% | Jun 2024 |
| 7 | China, P.R.: Mainland | 2,264.3 | 5.1% | Jul 2024 |
| 8 | Switzerland | 1,040.0 | 9.1% | Jun 2024 |
| 9 | India | 846.2 | 9.8% | Jul 2024 |
| 10 | Japan | 846.0 | 5.4% | Jul 2024 |
Source: WGC