Central Banks Boost Gold Reserves in February 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In February 2026, global central banks increased their gold reserves by 19 tons, according to data from the World Gold Council.

This indicates renewed activity in the gold market after a quiet January, although the total remains below the average monthly level observed in 2025.

The largest purchases were made by the central banks of Poland and Uzbekistan, which added 20 tons and 8 tons, respectively. Other notable buyers included the Czech Republic and Malaysia, each increasing reserves by 2 tons, while China and Cambodia acquired 1 ton each.

Meanwhile, Turkey and Russia were net sellers, reducing their gold holdings by 8 tons and 6 tons, respectively.

Experts note that the increase in gold purchases reflects central banks’ efforts to diversify currency reserves and protect them against currency risks and geopolitical instability.

Uzbekistan’s increased gold reserves underscore the country’s commitment to strengthening financial stability and reserve assets. Analysts emphasize that the trend of acquiring gold remains strong among many countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where demand for this traditional “safe-haven” asset continues to rise.