Central banks

Amid global economic uncertainty fueled by wars, trade tensions, and inflation, central banks are increasingly stockpiling gold. According to a survey, 89% of central banks expect global gold reserves to grow, viewing it as a safe asset for diversification and protection against fiat currency instability.

Due to increasing global uncertainty from wars, trade tensions, and high inflation, central banks worldwide are accumulating gold reserves as a safe-haven asset. A World Gold Council survey found that 89% of these institutions expect global reserves to grow, leading many countries to diversify away from reliance on single foreign currencies. This purchasing trend is driven by the desire for protection against economic turmoil and geopolitical instability.

Central banks in emerging Asia are developing methods to support their currencies without dipping into foreign-exchange reserves. These defensive actions are necessitated by external economic pressures, including recurring Middle East tensions and the prospect of higher-for-longer US interest rates.

BIS Project Agorá successfully settled $1 million in tokenized cross-border payment trials involving 28 financial institutions and central banks. The trial used tokenized central bank reserves and commercial bank deposits across six currencies for real-value settlements.

Central banks bought less gold at the start of the year than previously thought, with demand rebounding but purchases expected to decline this year, according to the World Gold Council.

BIS economists warn that the AI boom increases the risk of monetary policy mistakes. Central banks face challenges in assessing the strength and timing of technology's impact on GDP and inflation.

Chinese gold producers have acquired mines in countries like Kenya and Colombia, benefiting from record-high gold prices that boost their earnings as investors and central banks seek safe havens.

A former IMF adviser states that Plaza Accord-style exchange-rate coordination is no longer feasible due to central banks prioritizing domestic objectives, complicating the transition to a multipolar international monetary system. Concerns over the dollar's rising risks and the dollar-centred monetary system are highlighted.

Indonesia is altering traditional methods of controlling inflation, which typically involve central banks raising interest rates to reduce demand and slow consumption. The article highlights that this inflation-targeting framework, effective since the 1990s, is being reexamined in the context of emerging markets.

The U.S. dollar faces a warning as the historic bond-market buffer is fading. Major dislocations in U.S. foreign policy are driving a dedollarization trend among central banks.

A survey of ninety central banks and wealth funds found that, for the first time, more plan to reduce dollar holdings than increase them over the coming decade. The report highlights a shift in global financial strategy regarding U.S. dollar reserves.

On June 30, major decisions impacting four continents were made by unelected institutions like courts, central banks, and statistics offices rather than elected leaders such as presidents or prime ministers.

The Federal Reserve maintains a firm stance and signals potential interest rate hikes, contrasting with other central banks that are easing. This hawkish approach impacts emerging markets burdened with a record $9 trillion in 2026 dollar debt.

In June 2026, three regions deferred major decisions to unelected institutions like courts, central banks, and statisticians, raising concerns about accountability. The article examines the implications of relying on these bodies for critical decisions.

Sovereign wealth funds and central banks managing US$29 trillion are shifting toward energy assets and expressing concerns about the dollar, according to an Invesco survey. The move reflects portfolio diversification efforts amid geopolitical shifts.

Sovereign wealth funds and central banks managing $29 trillion are shifting to energy assets and expressing concerns over the dollar due to geopolitical shifts, according to an Invesco survey. The survey highlights a focus on diversification and resilient investment portfolios.

Allspring Global Investments is advising clients to focus on international bond markets, particularly in countries where central banks are increasing interest rates or experiencing different inflation dynamics. The firm highlights opportunities outside the U.S. as a strategic move for investors.

Central banks shifted from the dollar to gold, leading to a 29% crash in gold prices. The article questions if this move exchanged one risk for a worse store of value.

The Iran deal has provided minimal relief to central banks concerned about inflation. Top policymakers remain cautious about the global economy despite falling energy prices.

Central banks are increasing gold reserves and storing bullion domestically due to rising geopolitical and currency risks. The trend reflects growing concerns over global instability and financial uncertainty.

Central banks are repatriating gold due to rising global insecurity, conflict, sanctions, and declining trust in storing bullion abroad. Institutions are becoming more cautious about holding gold in foreign countries.

More central banks are planning to purchase gold this year compared to previous years. The decision reflects increased interest in gold as a reserve asset.

A ceasefire in Iran has increased the likelihood that central banks will view the energy shock as temporary. The situation may reduce long-term economic impacts related to the conflict.

JPMorgan expects central banks to maintain their current stance regarding the US-Iran agreement. The analysis suggests no immediate policy changes from central banks on this issue.

China is developing a digital payments system to challenge the U.S. dollar's dominance. The platform will be supported by central banks from Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Gold prices may rise at least 13% by year-end due to sustained diversification demand from central banks and reduced inflation expectations from potential diplomatic solutions to Middle East tensions. State Street Investment Management projects gold could reach $4,750 to $5,500 per ounce by 2026 in a base-case scenario.

Central banks are experiencing increasing pressures as highlighted in a recent markets snapshot. The situation reflects heightened challenges in maintaining economic stability.

Asia's central banks are intensifying their currency competition by shifting operations offshore as they counter each other's monetary policies.

US inflation reached 4.2% with core inflation cooling, the Bank of Canada maintained interest rates for the fifth consecutive time, and both central banks took measures. The report was published by The Rio Times.

Carmignac, an investment firm, suggests that growing deficits are making central banks more tolerant of inflation. The analysis highlights a shift in monetary policy priorities due to fiscal pressures.

Gold has surpassed U.S. debt as the primary reserve asset for central banks worldwide. The debt of the world’s biggest economy is no longer the leading reserve asset held by central banks.

Gold has surpassed US Treasuries as the world’s top reserve asset, with its share of reserves rising to 27% due to a historic bullion rally. Central banks are diversifying their holdings away from the US dollar, according to the ECB.

Isabel Schnabel, an ECB board member, stated that central banks should address stablecoin risks through strong regulation and the development of CBDCs like the digital euro.

Fidelity Digital Assets reports that nation-states and central banks are increasingly adopting Bitcoin and gold as alternative settlement systems outside of US control, indicating a shift away from dollar-based systems.

The 'debasement trade,' a strategy betting on currency devaluation, is declining in popularity as concerns over inflation subside. JPMorgan analysts note this shift reflects cooling market fears about central banks devaluing currencies through aggressive monetary policies.

The article discusses recent economic data, trends in commodities, and their impact on global markets. Key factors include commodity price fluctuations and market volatility driven by economic indicators.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) collaborated with seven central banks and over 40 institutions on a two-year project to develop a prototype for settling wholesale payments in seconds using tokenized payments.

Société Générale's Wei Yao highlights that central banks face limited good options in their current policy decisions, suggesting constrained maneuverability amid economic challenges.

Bitcoin underperformed in early 2026, dropping 10% in January and 14.8% in February despite geopolitical turmoil and inflation, contradicting claims that it serves as a safe haven asset. Gold, meanwhile, reached an all-time high and maintained gains despite pullbacks, with central banks continuing to buy. The analysis questions bitcoin's viability as a crisis hedge or store of value given its recent performance.

The U.S. Treasury sell-off has eased, and traders are watching the highest 30-year yield since 1999. Global bond markets remain volatile as central banks respond to renewed inflation fears. Traders are monitoring the situation closely.