Core Insights - Gold has officially surpassed the euro to become the second-largest reserve asset for global central banks, driven by a surge in gold purchases and rising prices [1] - In 2024, gold is projected to account for 20% of global official reserves, exceeding the euro's 16%, while the dollar remains dominant at 46% [1] - Central banks are increasing gold holdings at a record pace, with net purchases expected to exceed 1,000 tons for the third consecutive year in 2024, doubling the average levels of the 2010s [1] Group 1 - The European Central Bank reports that the share of the dollar has decreased by 4 percentage points since 2020, while the euro's share has shrunk by 8 percentage points over the past five years [1] - Major buyers of gold include China, India, Turkey, and Poland, with China's central bank increasing its holdings by 289 tons, the highest since 2015 [1] - The global central bank gold reserves have rebounded to 3.6 million tons in 2024, nearing levels last seen in 1965, reflecting a strategic demand for non-sovereign credit assets [1] Group 2 - The shift in asset allocation is evident, with a significant increase in global gold ETF holdings in 2024, while developed country bonds face the largest sell-off since 2008 [2] - Investors are now viewing gold not just as an inflation hedge but as a core tool for geopolitical risk management, leading to a 25% year-on-year increase in gold ETF inflows in 2024, the highest in four years [2] - Gold prices surged by 30% in 2024, with further increases of 27% expected in the first half of 2025, reaching historical highs above $3,500 per ounce [2] Group 3 - Despite not generating interest and having high storage costs, gold's unique safe-haven properties make it the "ultimate currency" during crises [4] - The annual storage cost for gold held by global central banks is estimated at $8.7 billion, and the opportunity cost increases with rising interest rates [4] - The European Central Bank warns that gold's liquidity is only 1.2% of the global foreign exchange market, and an expansion of its reserve function could increase market volatility [4]