World Gold Council: Central banks around the world net bought 19 tons of gold in February, with China increasing its gold holdings for the 16th consecutive month.

Mars Finance news: the World Gold Council this week released a February central bank gold-purchasing monthly report. In February 2026, central banks around the world net bought 19 tons of gold, even though this is still below the monthly average of 26 tons reported for 2025. Compared with the net purchases of 5 tons in January 2026, it shows a recovery. The World Gold Council said that the February figures appear to indicate 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 have maintained a record of continuous net purchases of gold. From November 2024 to February 2026, cumulative gold purchases totaled 44 tons, and the Czech Republic reported its 36th consecutive month of net buying. China increased its gold holdings for the 16th consecutive month. A Goldman Sachs research note issued at the end of March said that supported by central banks’ continued gold buying and expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates two more times this year, the medium-term outlook for gold remains solid, and the gold price is expected to rise to 5,400 USD per ounce by the end of the year. UBS, meanwhile, forecast at the end of March that gold’s target price at the beginning of 2027 would be 5,900 USD per ounce.