Central Bank Gold Holdings Expand in Q1 as Buying Base Broadens Across Emerging Markets

GFN – LONDON: The World Gold Council reported that central banks added a net 244 tons of gold during the first quarter of 2026, the fastest accumulation pace in more than a year despite heightened price volatility across global precious-metals markets. The World Gold Council said net purchases rose from 208 tons in the previous quarter, with buying activity concentrated in March as prices declined sharply from record highs reached earlier in the year, according to its Gold Demand Trends report (via BBG). Poland, Uzbekistan, and China led the accumulation, taking advantage of softer prices following a sustained rally that...