The world's central banks increased gold purchases by 42% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to a year earlier. Volume is the highest since late 2024. Such data is provided in a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). Since the beginning of the year, regulators have supplemented reserves by 6% in annual terms. Not only countries, but also funds traded on the stock exchange showed interest in the property; Gold ETFs updated the historical record in tons. At the same time, global demand in physical terms decreased by 1%. The volume of transactions in dollars jumped by 22%. The main influence on the statistics continues to be the increase in prices. The high price cooled the interest of private investors. The demand for jewelry decreased by 17%, sales of bars and coins - by 19%. But demand was supported by the electronics industry, which grew by 5%, which WGC analysts attributed to increased production of chips and equipment for artificial intelligence systems. Overall, the technology industry consumed 3% more. Gold production in mines showed record results, an increase of 3%. Recycling decreased by 8%. High base rates from leading central banks are holding back investment activity, while geopolitical turmoil and market volatility continue to keep gold in the primary defensive asset position.