The World Gold Council reported that global demand for gold (including OTC investment) totaled 1,269 metric tons in Q2’26, unchanged from the same period last year. Purchases by central banks and other institutions increased by 62% year-over-year (y-o-y) to nearly 289 metric tons during the quarter. The spot price of gold stood at $4,046.15 per troy ounce as of 7/31/26, up 23.0% y-o-y, according to data from Bloomberg.