FINANCE

Gold Demand Hits Record $193 Billion as Investment Surges

Published: May. 5, 2026 10:36 p.m. GMT+8

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Central banks worldwide remained active buyers, adding a net 244 tons of gold to reserves in the first quarter. Photo: VCG

Global gold demand surged to a record $193 billion in the first quarter of 2026, as strong investment flows and continued central bank purchases offset a sharp decline in jewelry consumption.

The sustained appetite for the precious metal highlights its enduring role as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty, even as elevated prices drive a shift in global demand away from ornamentation toward investment.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

Global gold demand hit $193B record in Q1 2026 (1,231 tons, +2% YoY), investment +42% to 474 tons offsetting jewelry -23% to 300 tons.
China demand +24% to 362 tons record; central banks net +244 tons, led by Poland (31t), Uzbekistan (25t).
Forecast raises investment demand, cuts jewelry/tech; prices hinge on geopolitics, CB buying, Fed policy.

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