Central banks gear up for fourth consecutive year of massive gold purchases — Metal Focus

According to consulting firm Metals Focus, central banks worldwide are set to acquire approximately 1,000 tons of gold in 2025. This would mark the fourth consecutive year of large-scale purchases as regulators seek to diversify their financial assets through precious metals.

Gold prices have risen 29% since the beginning of the year, hitting a record high of $3,500 per ounce in April. This surge has been driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, exacerbated by US President Donald Trump's trade policies.

Central banks, accounting for nearly a quarter of total demand, represent the third-largest category of gold consumption after the jewelry sector and physical investments. Purchases by financial regulators in 2025 are expected to decline by 8% compared to last year's record of 1,086 tons, yet will remain substantial.

Metals Focus forecasts that average gold prices will increase by 35% this year, reaching $3,210 per ounce.