Top 2025 Central Bank Gold Buyer Signals Shift Toward Selling Reserves

Key Facts

1The central bank that was the leading buyer of gold in 2025 may now be shifting toward selling its holdings.

A major central bank that led global gold purchases in 2025 is reportedly preparing to shift its strategy toward selling its holdings in 2026. According to MarketWatch, this potential reversal comes after a period of aggressive accumulation that helped propel gold prices to historic highs. Analysts suggest the move could be motivated by strategic profit-taking following recent rallies or a need to bolster national currency reserves. Central bank demand has been a fundamental pillar for XAU/USD, and a pivot by a top buyer could significantly dampen market sentiment. Market participants are now closely monitoring official reserve data for confirmation of this significant policy shift. The prospect of increased supply from a former top buyer poses a bearish risk to the broader commodities sector and related instruments like GDX and XAG/USD.