Russia's gold reserves fell by approximately 19 tons in the third quarter of 2026, according to a World Gold Council report published on November 3. The estimate covers a single quarter, not the full year.
Worldwide, central banks bought a net 321.2 tons of gold during the same quarter, according to the WGC, 42% more than a year earlier. Officially reported net purchases accounted for only 120 tons; the remainder reflects estimated activity that was not reported through official channels.
According to the WGC, Russia's reduction was the only substantial decline among countries that reported changes in their gold reserves for the quarter.