China's Gold Rush: 15th Consecutive Month of Buying Shakes Global Markets

• China's central bank bought gold for the 15th consecutive month in January, increasing reserves to 74.19 million fine troy ounces.
• The value of China's gold reserves surged to $369.58 billion by the end of January, up from $319.45 billion a month prior.
• Gold prices saw significant fluctuations, reaching a record $5,600 per ounce in January before declining to $4,403.24 and then recovering to $4,960.
• China's gold consumption decreased by 3.75% to 950 metric tons in 2025, marking the second consecutive annual decline.
• Despite overall consumption decline, purchases of gold bars and coins, indicating safe-haven demand, soared by 35.14% in 2025.