Gold bars
Global central banks bought significantly less gold in the first quarter than previously estimated, before demand rebounded strongly in the following three months. 
According to the World Gold Council’s report released today, July 30, central banks purchased just 57 tons of gold in Q1 2026, which is 187 tons lower than the April estimate, marking the weakest start to a year in more than a decade.
The revised figures indicate that total central bank gold purchases in 2026 are on track to decline compared with 2025 levels.
Between April and June, central bank demand for gold recovered sharply, with net purchases reaching 289 tons, as gold prices retreated from the record highs reached earlier this year.
Poland was the largest buyer during the second quarter, adding 51 tons to its gold reserves and bringing its total purchases in the first half of the year to 82 tons.
Gold bars
Global central banks bought significantly less gold in the first quarter than previously estimated, before demand rebounded strongly in the following three months.
According to the World Gold Council’s report released today, July 30, central banks purchased just 57 tons of gold in Q1 2026, which is 187 tons lower than the April estimate, marking the weakest start to a year in more than a decade.
The revised figures indicate that total central bank gold purchases in 2026 are on track to decline compared with 2025 levels.
Between April and June, central bank demand for gold recovered sharply, with net purchases reaching 289 tons, as gold prices retreated from the record highs reached earlier this year.
Poland was the largest buyer during the second quarter, adding 51 tons to its gold reserves and bringing its total purchases in the first half of the year to 82 tons.
