Tag: bullion

  • Global Gold Reserves: Top 7 Countries Holding the Most Bullion

    Global Gold Reserves: Top 7 Countries Holding the Most Bullion

    Global Gold Reserves: Top 7 Countries Holding the Most Bullion

    Central banks around the world hold gold as a cornerstone of their foreign exchange reserves, providing stability and confidence in times of economic uncertainty. This article ranks the top seven countries by their official gold holdings, highlighting the sheer scale of these reserves and their significance in each nation’s financial strategy.

    1. United States – 8,133.5 Tonnes

    The United States holds the largest official gold stock in the world, with approximately 8,133.5 tonnes. This accounts for a staggering 81.4% of its foreign exchange reserves. Gold has been a long-term reserve asset for the U.S., reflecting its historical role as a pillar of the global financial system.

    2. Germany – 3,350.3 Tonnes

    Germany holds about 3,350.3 tonnes of gold, representing 81.0% of its foreign exchange reserves. The Bundesbank’s substantial gold holdings underline the country’s commitment to maintaining a robust and diversified reserve portfolio, making it one of the largest official gold holders globally.

    3. Italy – 2,451.8 Tonnes

    Italy ranks third with roughly 2,451.8 tonnes of gold, which constitutes 77.0% of its foreign exchange reserves. The Bank of Italy’s gold reserves are among the largest in the world, underscoring gold’s enduring importance as a monetary asset in the country’s financial framework.

    4. France – 2,437.0 Tonnes

    France holds approximately 2,437 tonnes of gold, making up 78.5% of its foreign exchange reserves. The Banque de France’s gold stock is a key component of the nation’s reserve assets, reflecting a long-standing tradition of gold accumulation among major European central banks.

    5. China – 2,366 Tonnes

    China’s official gold holdings stand at about 2,366 tonnes, but this represents only 8.0% of its massive foreign exchange reserves. This highlights the contrast between total gold tonnage and its proportion within the reserve mix, as China’s overall reserves are vast, with gold playing a relatively smaller but still significant role.

    6. Russia – 2,277 Tonnes

    Russia holds around 2,277 tonnes of gold, which accounts for 41.4% of its foreign exchange reserves. This relatively high share indicates gold’s strategic importance in Russia’s economic policy, especially as the country has steadily increased its gold purchases over the past decade.

    7. India – 880 Tonnes

    India rounds out the list with approximately 880 tonnes of gold, representing 16.8% of its foreign exchange reserves. The Reserve Bank of India’s gold holdings form a vital part of the country’s reserve assets, complementing its foreign currency and other reserve components, and reflecting gold’s cultural and economic significance in India.

    These figures underscore the enduring role of gold as a safe-haven asset and a key component of national financial security. As global economic conditions evolve, central banks are likely to continue relying on gold to diversify their reserves and mitigate risks.

  • Gold Prices Today: Yellow Metal Nears Rs 1.45 Lakh, Silver Tops Rs 2.25 Lakh

    Gold Prices Today: Yellow Metal Nears Rs 1.45 Lakh, Silver Tops Rs 2.25 Lakh

    Gold and silver prices opened higher across India’s retail and futures markets on Monday, tracking gains in global bullion amid renewed safe-haven demand. Retail rates for both 24-karat and 22-karat gold edged up across major cities, while silver also advanced in the domestic market.

    On the MCX, gold futures rose 0.51% to Rs 144,520 per 10 grams, and silver futures gained 1.01% to Rs 225,120 per kg at around 9:07 a.m.

    The domestic rally mirrored strong global developments, whereby the price of spot gold rose by 1.4% to reach $4,110.56 per ounce and that of US gold futures increased by 1% to reach $4,112.10 per ounce by 0200 GMT.

    The rally came amid reduced fears of rising inflation amid falling oil prices owing to the slight easing of tensions in the Middle East region before the Fed’s rate decision.

    A 0.3% decline in the US dollar index also made gold more affordable for overseas buyers, lending further support to bullion prices.

    City-Wise Gold Prices Today (July 27, 2026)

    Gold rates varied slightly across major Indian cities. In Delhi, 24K gold was priced at Rs 1,44,870 per 10 grams, while 22K gold stood at Rs 1,32,800. Mumbai saw 24K gold at Rs 1,44,720 and 22K at Rs 1,32,660. In Chennai, 24K gold was at Rs 1,45,020 and 22K at Rs 1,32,940. Kolkata recorded 24K gold at Rs 1,44,770 and 22K at Rs 1,32,710.

    Silver Rises on Strong Global Bullion Momentum

    Silver prices in India remained firm on July 27, tracking gains in the global bullion market. According to Goodreturns, 999-purity silver in Hyderabad was priced at around Rs 2,24,820 per kg, reflecting sustained domestic demand and positive international cues. The metal continued to attract investor interest alongside rising gold prices.

    Gold Price Trend Analysis in 2026

    Gold has delivered a strong performance in India throughout 2026, even after retreating from record highs. MCX gold averaged Rs 1,51,108 per 10 grams in the first quarter, marking a 20% rise from the previous quarter and an 81% jump year-on-year, according to the World Gold Council.

    Subsequently, the prices dropped to levels of around Rs 1.41 lakh in June, only to recover back to nearly Rs 1.45 lakh per 10 grams by end of July.

    Overall demand for gold in India increased by 10% during the first quarter, totaling 151 tonnes, with investment demand shooting up by 54%, touching 82 tonnes.

    Moving ahead, experts expect volatility in prices, where global events, actions of the US Fed, and movements in the rupee vis-a-vis the dollar will trigger the next phase of profits.

    What’s Next for Gold Prices?

    Gold prices remain well-supported despite recent volatility, reflecting investors’ continued preference for safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

    With the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, geopolitical developments, and movements in the US dollar likely to dictate the next leg of the rally, bullion prices may continue to fluctuate in the near term.

    For buyers, monitoring daily price movements and broader market cues will be key before making fresh investment or jewellery purchases.

  • Gold Drops Over 1% on MCX as Strong Dollar and Fed Rate-Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion

    Gold Drops Over 1% on MCX as Strong Dollar and Fed Rate-Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion

    Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) fell sharply on June 30, undermined by a strengthening U.S. dollar and weak global cues, as traders priced in the likelihood of multiple Federal Reserve rate hikes this year. August gold futures declined by 1.16% to settle at Rs. 1,40,757 per 10 grams, while July silver futures slipped 0.55% to Rs. 2,18,200 per kilogram.

    The pressure on precious metals extended across global markets. Spot gold dropped 1.5% to $3,956.92 per ounce, putting it on track for its steepest monthly decline since October 2008—a fall of 12.7% in June alone, marking the fourth straight monthly retreat. U.S. gold futures for August delivery lost 1.7% to $3,969.30 per ounce. Spot silver slid 2% to $57.13 per ounce, platinum eased 1.1% to $1,557.21, and palladium edged down 0.4% to $1,208.17.

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now anticipate three rate hikes from the U.S. Federal Reserve this year, with a 64% probability of a move in September. The strong dollar and elevated interest rate expectations continue to weigh on gold, which offers no yield and competes with interest-bearing assets.

    “You have high inflation, high interest rate expectations, and a strong dollar, and that’s overriding all other bullish factors that are typically associated with a gold rally,” said Edward Meir, an analyst at Marex.

    In the domestic market, 24-karat gold fell by Rs. 180 to Rs. 1,40,130 per 10 grams, while 22-karat gold declined by Rs. 165 to Rs. 1,28,450. City-wise, Mumbai and Kolkata quoted Rs. 1,40,130, Delhi at Rs. 1,40,280, and Chennai at Rs. 1,45,080. Meanwhile, crude oil also trended lower, with Brent futures down 0.87% at $72.51 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping 0.62% to $70.31 a barrel.

    Key Levels to Watch

    On the international front, gold has support at $3,994 and $3,955 per troy ounce, with resistance at $4,074 and $4,110. Silver support is at $57 and $55.40, while resistance stands at $60 and $61.60 per troy ounce. On MCX, gold finds support at Rs. 1,41,100 and Rs. 1,40,000, with resistance at Rs. 1,43,600 and Rs. 1,44,800. Silver has support at Rs. 2,16,600 and Rs. 2,14,000, and resistance at Rs. 2,22,400 and Rs. 2,25,000.