Core Insights - The global central bank reserve landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with gold surpassing U.S. Treasury bonds for the first time since 1996 in terms of reserve composition, marking a milestone for gold as a reserve asset [1] - China's central bank has increased its gold reserves for ten consecutive months, reaching 7.402 million ounces (approximately 2302.28 tons) by the end of August, with a reserve value increase of $9.858 billion to $253.843 billion, representing a historical high of 7.64% of total foreign reserves [1][2] - A recent survey by the World Gold Council indicates that 95% of central banks expect to continue increasing their gold reserves in the next 12 months, the highest level since the survey began in 2019, with 43% planning to add to their gold holdings despite rising gold prices [2] Group 1: Factors Influencing Central Bank Gold Purchases - The deepening cracks in the U.S.-centric international monetary system, highlighted by the freezing of Russian reserve assets, have prompted central banks to accelerate gold accumulation as a direct response [3] - The high level of U.S. government debt, projected to reach 124.3% of GDP by the end of 2024, undermines the credibility of the dollar, leading other countries to reduce dollar assets in favor of gold as a safer, inflation-resistant alternative [3] - The restructuring of the global order and increased political risks have led central banks, especially in emerging markets, to prefer gold over dollar assets to hedge against potential structural risks in the dollar system [4] Group 2: Changes in Central Bank Reserve Strategies - A structural shift in central bank gold reserve strategies is evident, with 59% of central banks opting to store gold domestically, an increase of 18 percentage points from 2024 [4] - 73% of central banks anticipate a decline in the share of dollar reserves over the next five years, while the shares of the euro, renminbi, and gold are expected to rise [4]