Gold rose in USD terms but fell when priced in RMB – due mainly to the strengthening currency. Wholesale gold demand stayed relatively resilient in February, the Chinese New Year month, compared to the similar period in 2025. Local gold ETFs saw further inflows and the PBoC announced gold purchases 16 months in a row.
Slow gold supply responses to the surging price raised concerns of its sustainability. And while “easy” gold mines might be depleted gradually, reserves should stay stable. And above-ground gold stocks should – though not all accessible – also help underpin total supply’s stability. Meanwhile, large gold mine discoveries should have limited short-term impact on the gold price. And coordinated production changes remain improbable.
After a strong year of buying, central banks started 2026 more cautiously: January net purchases came in at 5t, below the prior 12‑month average of 27t. Even so, with geopolitical tensions still elevated, the longer‑term appetite to add gold looks set to persist.
