Finance

Gold Takes Center Stage Again: Central Banks Continue to Increase Reserves (Italy on the Podium)

Gold takes center stage again: central banks continue to increase reserves (Italy on the podium)

Geopolitics, concerns about the dollar, and global instability: this is why vaults are filling up with bullion. A boom in purchases, record reserves, and a return to the golden past.

Gold: Central Banks Continue to Increase Reserves

In times of uncertainty, central banks choose the ancient refuge: gold. According to a survey by the World Gold Council (WGC), global monetary institutions plan to further increase their gold reserves in 2024, while preparing to reduce their exposure to the dollar over the next five years. The phenomenon, driven by geopolitical tensions and uncertainties about Trump's policies, has led gold to surpass the euro as the second world reserve, according to a recent ECB report.

Record purchases: +1,000 tons per year

The WGC highlights a clear trend: over 1,000 tons of gold accumulated each year since 2021, well above the 400-500 ton average of the previous decade. And the pace is not slowing down: gold is once again a shield against inflation, wars, and currency instability.

The countries that bought the most in 2024

Leading the gold rush is Poland, with about 90 tons added to reserves. Following are Turkey (+13.85%), India (+9.03%), and China, which continues to buy, albeit with less intensity than in 2023. Completing the top 10: Czech Republic, Iraq, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Ghana, and Qatar.

Who has the fullest vaults? Italy is third in the world

The United States remains unbeatable with 8,133 tons, equal to 22.7% of the world's reserves. Following are Germany (3,351 t) and Italy, which with 2,451.83 tons confirms its place on the global podium. Also in the top 10 are France, Russia, China, and Switzerland.

Gold as a strategic weapon

The return of gold is more than a trend: it is a strategy. In a changing world, central banks are preparing for the worst with the most ancient and reliable asset in history. And Italy, with its full vaults, remains firmly among the global gold powers.