Gold Rises Amid Safe-Haven Demand as Poland’s Central Bank Buys 150 Tons

Gold prices advanced on Friday as buyers stepped in during a market dip, defying a rally in the U.S. dollar (USD=FX). The upward momentum was driven by Poland’s central bank, which reported a 150-ton addition to its gold reserves. This marks the largest single acquisition by any central bank in recent months and reinforces Poland’s status as the world’s leading reported gold buyer. The purchase reflects a broader shift in central bank strategy toward diversifying reserves amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. With global tensions persisting across multiple regions, the demand for physical gold as a non-sovereign, liquid store of value has intensified. The 150-ton addition brings Poland’s total gold reserves to approximately 1,450 tons, a 12% increase year-to-date. The rally in gold (GC=F) coincided with a modest decline in the S&P 500 (SPX), suggesting investors are shifting into safe-haven assets. Despite a stronger dollar, which typically weighs on gold, the surge in institutional demand appears to be outweighing currency pressures. Analysts note that central bank buying has become a key structural support for gold prices, reducing volatility and reinforcing long-term bullish sentiment. Market participants are now monitoring whether other central banks, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia, will follow suit. The move signals a potential reconfiguration of global reserve strategies, with gold playing an increasingly central role in risk mitigation during periods of uncertainty.