Central Banks Bought a Record 289 Tonnes of Gold in Q2

Central banks did something in the second quarter they have never done before: they bought a net 289 tonnes of gold in a single three-month stretch, up 62% from a year ago and enough to more than offset every dollar of ETF selling. That number, from the World Gold Council, is the cleanest explanation for why spot gold sits near $4,336 holding its gains above the early-August open even as the market walks into a Federal Reserve decision that could tighten financial conditions.

Key Takeaways Central banks bought a record net 289 tonnes of gold in Q2 2026, up 62% year over year, per the World Gold Council. August gold ETF inflows hit $18 billion, the second-largest month ever, lifting holdings 1…