BRICS Shocker: Foreign Central Banks Now Hold More Gold Than US Treasuries

Forget the old playbook. The global financial order is getting a dramatic rewrite—and gold is back in the starring role.

The Great Diversification

Central banks, especially those within the BRICS bloc and their economic orbit, are executing a quiet but seismic portfolio shift. The numbers tell a clear story: the yellow metal now outweighs US government debt in their vaults. It's a move that speaks louder than any diplomatic statement—a direct hedge against currency risk and geopolitical uncertainty.

Gold's Digital Echo

This isn't just a story for bullion traders. The strategic pivot towards a tangible, non-sovereign asset reverberates through digital finance. It validates a core crypto thesis: the search for value outside traditional fiat systems. When nation-states actively reduce exposure to the world's reserve currency, it fuels the argument for decentralized, borderless alternatives.

A New Reserve Reality

The trend signals a deeper fragmentation. The 'dollar weaponization' of recent years has prompted a counter-move—a slow-motion de-dollarization where gold provides the bridge. It's the ultimate 'hold' asset in a world of soft power conflicts, offering a semblance of stability that even the mightiest bond market can't guarantee right now. A cynical take? Wall Street spent decades convincing everyone that government bonds were 'risk-free' assets, while the world's most conservative institutions—central banks—just called their bluff and opted for the metal we've trusted for millennia.

The bottom line: When the guardians of the global monetary system start behaving like preppers, it's time to pay attention. The flight to hard assets is on, and its implications will cascade far beyond Fort Knox.

Doubling of Gold Makes Foreign Central Banks’ Holdings Reach $4 Trillion, US Treasuries at $3.9 Trillion

For the first time since 1996, foreign central banks’ gold holdings have surpassed US Treasuries. Gold holdings (including BRICS countries) have reached a record $4 trillion in January 2026. The holdings of US Treasuries are at $3.9 trillion, marking a significant gap in 30 years. Treasuries are lagging by $1 billion compared to the precious metal.

US Treasuries were seen as a SAFE haven, but BRICS is putting gold ahead of the dollar-denominated assets. However, this occurred only due to the XAU/USD index rising massively in the last four years. The purchase of US Treasuries remains intact, with several countries buying them for investment purposes. Bonds and Treasuries still remain lucrative, with demand soaring for the asset.

BRICS is the biggest winner of the gold rush and successfully took on US Treasuries. Most likely, the glittery metal WOULD continue its price surge due to Trump’s tariffs and trade wars. Retail investors, institutional funds, and central banks’ relentless buying have also pushed prices higher in the indices.