Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
Poland’s central bank (NBP) now holds 509.3 tonnes of gold, surpassing the European Central Bank’s 506.5 tonnes, according to NBP governor Adam Glapiński. This represents a dramatic increase from just 14 tonnes in 1996 and 102 tonnes in 2016, with the pace of acquisition accelerating significantly after 2022. Gold now constitutes 22% of Poland’s total reserves, exceeding the bank’s 20% target. About 20% of this gold is stored in Poland, with the remainder in New York and London, though the bank plans to eventually distribute it equally across all three locations. Glapiński values the gold at €44.3 billion and notes it has appreciated by approximately €14.12 billion since purchase.
Articles
Paper Gold vs Physical Gold: Which Is Safer?
When markets turn volatile, the difference between paper gold vs physical gold becomes critical. While ETFs, futures, and unallocated accounts offer convenient price exposure inside the financial system, physical gold provides direct ownership outside of it. Understanding counterparty risk, margin-driven volatility, and ownership structure helps investors choose the approach that aligns with long-term wealth preservation and portfolio protection goals.
February 19, 2026
