[World Gold Council: Global Central Banks Increased Gold Reserves by 244 Tons in Q1] Reported by Jinse Finance, on April 29, the World Gold Council released the Q1 2026 'Global Gold Demand Trends Report,' which shows that global gold demand (including over-the-counter transactions) reached 1,231 tons in the first quarter, a year-on-year increase of 2%. The total value of demand surged to a record $193 billion, up 74% year-on-year. Statistics indicate that global central banks increased gold reserves by 244 tons in Q1. Although a few official institutions, such as Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan's State Oil Fund, saw a rise in gold sales, the gold purchasing volume by global central banks still exceeded the previous quarter's level and the five-year average. (Cailian Press)