Central Banks Are Hoarding Gold While the Public Scrambles: Why You Need to Act Now Before the Window Closes

Let’s cut through the noise, friends.

Gold’s Demand Hits a Record—But You’re Not Supposed to Notice

If you were watching CNBC or reading the Wall Street Journal, you probably didn’t hear that Q3 2025 just saw record-breaking gold demand—both in volume and in value. Total demand hit 1,313 tonnes, the highest in World Gold Council’s history, with $146 billion poured into gold in just one quarter. That’s a 44% jump in dollar terms, year-over-year.

Let me say it in plain English: the big money is getting out of fiat and into gold, and they’re doing it at speed.

Central Banks Are Still Buying Gold Like There’s No Tomorrow

In Q3 alone, central banks bought 220 tonnes of gold—a 28% increase from the prior quarter. And no, these aren't just small fry banks—this includes Kazakhstan, Brazil (their first purchase since 2021), Turkey, and China. Why? Because they know the global fiat system is on shaky legs, and they want real money—not digital IOUs.

YTD, central banks have added 634 tonnes, which is lower than last year but still well above historical averages. And get this: two-thirds of their gold buying is not even reported publicly. That tells me the game behind the curtain is much bigger than we know.

Bar, Coin, and ETF Demand Exploding—FOMO Is In Full Swing

Gold isn’t just a central bank play anymore—retail investors are waking up. ETF demand exploded 134% y/y, and bar and coin demand topped 315 tonnes, up 17% from last year.

People are scared, and rightfully so. Geopolitical tensions, the weakening dollar, and fears over Fed independence are all pushing folks toward safe-haven assets. Even in the U.S., where bar and coin demand has been sluggish, October saw a reversal—as the gold price ripped higher, people started jumping back in.

India had its best bar-and-coin quarter since 2013. China’s retail buying surged in September. Globally, it’s the same story—gold stores are running out of product. This isn’t normal market behavior—it’s a stampede.

Jewellery Demand Is Collapsing Under High Prices—And That’s Telling

Don’t be fooled by headlines saying gold jewellery is “strong.” In terms of volume, jewellery demand is in a freefall. India saw a 31% y/y decline. China hit its lowest Q3 jewellery consumption since 2007. Across Europe and the U.S., consumers are downshifting to cheaper, lighter items or ditching jewellery altogether in favor of investment-grade metals.

But here's the kicker: even though volume is collapsing, the dollar value of jewellery demand is rising. That’s inflation in action, folks. People are paying more and getting less.

Supply Can't Keep Up—And No One’s Selling Their Gold

You’d think with gold at record highs, people would be rushing to sell their old jewelry and coins, right? Nope. Recycling is up just 6%, despite a 40% price surge. Why? Because people believe prices will go even higher.

And they’re probably right.

Mine production is up 2%, but with key mines in Mali, Indonesia, and Mexico facing shutdowns and disruptions, there’s no guarantee supply will hold up heading into 2026. Meanwhile, costs for miners are up 12%, thanks to inflation, taxes, and rising royalties.

The Dollar Is Weakening, the Fed Is Cornered, and Gold Is Thriving

The global move away from the U.S. dollar—aka de-dollarization—isn’t just a theory. It’s happening in real time. Gold is outperforming because trust in fiat currency is evaporating, and the Fed can’t raise rates much further without breaking the system. Expect rate cuts in 2026—and when they come, it’s rocket fuel for gold.

As inflation creeps back in and Fed credibility wanes, the strategic case for gold becomes bulletproof. And institutions are noticing. ETFs have added 619 tonnes YTD, and big investors are moving out of overpriced tech stocks and into hard assets.

What You Can Do Right Now

Look, I grew up watching my father work a factory line for 40 years. He trusted the system—pensions, the dollar, the banks. That trust cost him everything in '08. That’s why I don’t mince words:

You need to start moving a portion of your wealth into real, physical gold and silver—now.

Don’t wait until the banks are collapsing, or until FedNow is locking you out of your own account because you said the wrong thing on social media.

Take Action While You Still Can

✅ Download Bill Brocius' free eBook: Seven Steps to Protect Yourself from Bank Failure

✅ Sign up for real-time alerts and reports with Dedollarize

✅ Learn how to buy allocated physical gold—not paper gold, not promises, but the real stuff you can hold in your hand.

Don’t wait for the next crisis. Prepare now, while the window is still open. Because when the panic hits, the shelves will be empty—and the price of gold? You won’t even recognize it.

Stay sharp,
Frank Balm
Lead Analyst, Dedollarize News