World Gold Council: Central Banks in each country net purchased 19 tons of gold in February; China has increased its holdings for the 16th consecutive month

Gate News message. April 5. The World Gold Council released this week its February 2026 monthly report on central bank gold purchases. In February 2026, central banks around the world net bought 19 metric tons of gold. Although this remains below the monthly average of 26 tons reported in 2025, it is up from the net purchases of 5 tons in January 2026. The World Gold Council said that the February figures appear to show that after a quiet January, central bank gold buying rebounded, highlighting central banks’ recognition of, and continued commitment to, gold as a reserve asset.

The report shows that some central banks maintained records of continuous net purchases. From November 2024 to February 2026, the cumulative gold purchases totaled 44 tons, and the Czech Republic reported its 36th consecutive month of net buying. China increased its gold holdings for the 16th consecutive month.

A research report from Goldman Sachs at the end of March said that supported by central banks’ ongoing gold purchases and the expectation that the Federal Reserve will cut rates two more times this year, the medium-term outlook for gold remains solid, with gold prices expected to rise to $5,400 per ounce by year-end. UBS, meanwhile, expected at the end of March that its target price for gold at the start of 2027 would be $5,900 per ounce.