Record Central Banks Plan Gold Reserve Increases Amid De-Dollarisation

Central banks worldwide are increasingly planning to boost their gold reserves amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, with a record 95% of reserve managers expecting an increase in the next 12 months, according to the World Gold Council's 2025 survey. Nearly 43% of central banks intend to add to their gold holdings, marking a significant rise from previous years, driven by gold's appeal as a crisis-resistant store of value, portfolio diversifier, and inflation hedge. This trend is particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where concerns over inflation and geopolitical instability are highest, and there is a growing shift towards domestic gold storage. Simultaneously, central banks have shown a declining outlook for the U.S. dollar's future share in global reserves, with many expecting increased roles for currencies like the euro and renminbi amid de-dollarisation trends. Gold prices have surged roughly 28% year-to-date, reinforcing its strategic importance as a safe-haven asset. The Bank of England remains a favored location for gold storage despite these shifts.