World Gold Council: In February, global central banks net purchased 19 tons, with some central banks maintaining continuous net buying records.

ME News update, April 4 (UTC+8). This week, the World Gold Council released its February central bank gold-purchasing report. In February 2026, central banks across countries net bought 19 tons of gold, even though this is still below the monthly average of 26 tons reported for 2025. Compared with the 5 tons of net purchases in January 2026, it represents a rebound. The World Gold Council said that February’s data appears to show that after a quiet January, central bank gold buying rebounded, highlighting central banks’ recognition and continued commitment to gold as a reserve asset. In addition, the report shows that some central banks maintained a record of continued net purchases: from November 2024 to February 2026, they bought 44 tons of gold, and the Czech Republic reported its 36th consecutive month of net purchases. China increased its gold holdings for the 16th consecutive month. A Goldman Sachs research note at the end of March pointed out that supported by central banks’ continued gold buying and expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates another two times this year, the medium-term outlook for gold remains solid, and the gold price could rise to $5,400 per ounce by year-end. UBS, meanwhile, expected at the end of March that the target price for gold at the start of 2027 will be $5,900 per ounce. (Source: ODAILY)