He oro remains a key asset for economies around the world, with a price currently around $2,641.79 per ounceaccording to the latest report of Reuters. This price level is close to the historical maximum recorded in October 2024, when gold reached $2,790.07 per ounce. This high valuation underlines the importance of the precious metal as a strategic reserve and as an indicator of financial stability in an uncertain global context.
According to the most recent data from the World Gold Council, USA widely leads the ranking of countries with the largest gold reserves, accumulating 8,133.46 tons. This figure is equivalent to more than four times the reserves of countries like China y Russiawhich are also at the top of the list. In a world characterized by geopolitical tensions and economic fluctuations, the possession of large reserves of gold constitutes a fundamental resource to guarantee the financial stability and geopolitical power of a nation.
The ranking of countries with the largest gold reserves reveals a strong concentration in the hands of a few economies. After USAthe second place corresponds to Germanycon 3,351.53 tonswhile Italia y France They occupy third and fourth place, with 2,451.84 tons y 2,436.94 tonsrespectively. These European nations have traditionally maintained high levels of gold reserves as part of their economic and support strategy.
In fifth place is Russiacon 2,335.85 tonsfollowed by approximately Chinawhat a sum 2,264.32 tons. Both countries have significantly increased their reserves in the last decade, with the aim of diversifying their assets and reducing dependence on currencies such as the US dollar.
They complete the top 10 Swiss (1,039.94 tons), India (853.63 tons), Japan (845.97 tons) and the Netherlands (612.45 tons). These countries hold large volumes of gold as part of their diversification strategy and protection against economic volatility.
Within Latin America, gold reserves are significantly lower than in the major world powers, but they remain a strategic resource for the countries of the region. Argentinacon 61.74 tonsis third among the South American countries present in the ranking of the World Gold Council. Above they appear Brazilcon 129.65 tonsy Mexicowhich owns 120.37 tons.
Although these figures do not compare with those of the world’s main economies, gold continues to be an important component of the international reserves of these countries, acting as insurance against economic and political instability.
The price of gold reached its all-time high in October 2024when he quoted $2,790.07 per ounce. This record marked an exceptional year for the precious metal, which began January trading at $2,063.73 per ounce. Over ten months, gold experienced growth of more than 33%, rising $670.73 per ounce.
This phenomenon caught the attention of investors and analysts, who pointed out that several factors combined to drive this escalation. One of the main reasons was the growing demand from central banks from all over the world. These actors, especially in emerging economies, increased their purchases of gold as a protection measure against inflation and as a diversification of their international reserves.
Several key elements stand out among the causes that led gold to this level. First of all, the strong central bank demand acted as a fundamental driver for the rise in price. According to the World Gold Councilcentral banks own about a fifth of all the gold mined in history, underscoring their role as big players in this market.
Another factor was the increase in portfolio diversification by individual and institutional investors. Global political and economic instability, including international conflicts and tensions in energy markets, fueled interest in safe assets such as gold. This trend intensified in a year marked by key elections and economic slowdowns in several regions of the world.
The limited supply of gold It also contributed to its appreciation. As a finite resource, gold mining faces natural restrictions and increasing costs, which accentuates its scarcity in the face of growing demand. Additionally, gold is used in industrial sectors such as technology and renewable energy, increasing its usefulness beyond investment and jewelry purposes.
Finally, macroeconomic conditions also played a central role. During 2024, global inflation and monetary policy decisions in key economies, such as the United States, influenced gold’s appeal as a safe haven. The reduction in interest rates, planned by the Federal Reserve, reinforced interest in the precious metal, since non-interest-bearing assets, such as gold, tend to gain popularity in this context.
Although gold has fallen slightly from its all-time high, it is still trading at elevated levels that reflect its relevance as a safe-haven asset. Analysts continue to closely watch factors such as the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and geopolitical developments, which could influence the future of the gold market.
