Global investment demand also reached an all-time high of 2,175 tons and was the main driver of a record year. Globally, investors looking to diversify their portfolios invested in gold equities, increasing by 801 tons. Bullion bars and coins were actively purchased, with global demand reaching 1,374 tons – worth $154 billion. Two major markets – China (+28%) and India (+17%) – accounted for more than 50% of demand in this category.
The WGC notes that central bank demand remained elevated in 2025. In total, regulators bought 863 tons of gold against 1,092 tons in 2024. According to the experts. The activity of central banks remained an important factor affecting global demand.
Gold continues to set highs in early 2026. Exchange prices for the precious metal at trading on January 29 exceeded $5600 per ounce for the first time in history. The main reason for the jump is geopolitical tension. The precious metal was also supported by the weakening of the U.S. dollar, which made gold more attractive to foreign buyers trading in other currencies.
In 2025, gold prices rose by more than 64%. They have already jumped 25% since the start of 2026.
