Business & Finance
European central banks shift gold reserves out of North America
The Netherlands and France have moved gold holdings to London and Europe to boost crisis readiness and liquidity.
The short version
- The Dutch central bank relocated roughly 86 metric tons of gold from New York and Ottawa to London between March and August to improve tradability and crisis resilience.[BBC News · Business Insider]
- France previously completed the removal of its New York gold holdings by early 2026, while Germany and Italy face domestic political scrutiny over their foreign-vaulted reserves.[Business Insider]
- A World Gold Council survey found 10% of central banks diversified overseas vaulting sites in the past year, reflecting broader shifts in reserve management amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties.[BBC News · Business Insider]
Key facts
- De Nederlandsche Bank relocated approximately 86 metric tons of gold from New York and Ottawa to London between March and August.[BBC News · Business Insider]
- The Dutch relocation raised London's share of Dutch gold reserves to 32.1%, while holdings in New York and Ottawa dropped to 18.5% each.[Business Insider]
- Banque de France sold its remaining gold held in New York between July 2025 and January 2026, acquiring replacement bullion in Europe.[Business Insider]
- A June survey by the World Gold Council showed 10% of central banks diversified overseas storage locations over the past year, while 9% increased domestic vaulting.[Business Insider]
- Goldman Sachs researchers forecast gold prices to reach $4,900 per troy ounce by the end of 2026.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether political pressure in Germany and Italy will lead to formal plans to repatriate their gold reserves from New York remains undetermined.[Business Insider]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Europe is rethinking where it keeps its goldBusiness Insider metered
- Why are European countries moving their gold out of North America?BBC News - Top Stories