Central banks buy 44t gold in July, double pre-2022 average; H1 total 346t

Central bank gold purchases remain elevated, with July's 44 tons more than double the pre-2022 monthly average and H1 2026 totaling 346 tons. This continues the post-2022 trend of sustained official-sector accumulation, signaling ongoing diversification away from fiat reserves. The commentary urging citizens to follow institutional trust in gold reflects a broader narrative of inflation hedging and financial uncertainty.