Central banks are a key component of gold demand, and in recent years their gold purchases have become a major driver of the gold price's gains. Global central banks held more than 36,535.4 metric tons (MT) of gold in their reserves as of year-end 2025. Most of that supply has been amassed since 2010, when central bankers commenced a gold-buying spree. Central banks were net sellers of gold before that time, selling roughly 4,426 MT of gold between 2000 and 2009. But for over a decade and a half now, these banks have been net buyers of the metal. Keep reading to find out why central banks buy and sell gold, how do ... (full story)