MNI BRIEF: PBOC Continues Gold Purchases In December

The People's Bank of China has increased its gold holdings for a 14th consecutive month, while foreign exchange reserves recorded month-on-month growth in December, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange said on Wednesday.

China's gold reserves stood at 74.15 million ounces at the end of December, an increase of 30,000 ounces from the previous month. As of the end of December 2025, China's foreign exchange reserves totaled USD3.3579 trillion, rising by USD11.5 billion, or 0.34%, compared to the end of November. (See MNI: PBOC To Continue Gold Buying As Dollar Hedge)

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange stated that factors including the decrease in the U.S. dollar index in December, exchange rate translation and changes in asset prices, contributed to the increase in the scale of foreign exchange reserves.