ICYMI: Central banks buy 244 tons of gold in Q1 at fastest pace in over a year

World Gold Council data show central banks bought a net 244 tonnes of gold in Q1 2026, the fastest quarterly pace in over a year, as the March price correction drew in buyers led by Poland, Uzbekistan and China. The surge in official-sector demand—partly offset by an estimated 115 tonnes of sales from Turkey, Russia and Azerbaijan—helped underpin spot gold around $4,600/oz after a January peak near $5,600/oz and a 12% March decline. The article views the data as structurally bullish for gold (XAUUSD), since central-bank accumulation creates a persistent demand floor; the key market question is whether that buying pace holds if prices recover toward earlier highs.