Gold at $4,480: Physical Demand Hits a 50-Year Milestone

Central banks reshape gold markets through the most concentrated sovereign buying in decades — but that’s only one of five forces moving gold right now. Physical investment is overtaking jewelry demand for the first time on record. Russia’s figures don’t add up. China just hit the brakes. Here’s what’s driving the market.

What Do Central Banks Know About Gold That You Don’t?

Central banks purchased a net 244 metric tons of gold in Q1 2026 — the fastest pace in over a year — despite prices hitting a record $5,405 per ounce. The World Gold Council data reveals who’s buying, who’s selling, and why this relentless accumulation at all-time highs signals a growing loss of confidence in fiat currencies. If central banks are protecting themselves regardless of price, the rest of us should be paying attention.