Russia in gold buying spree ahead of tougher US sanctions

By Cecilia Jamasmie / August 22, 2018 / www.mining.com / Article Link

Russia's Central Bank has picked up pace when it comes to gold buying, adding 26 tonnes to its reserves in July, more than in any other month this year, ahead of the news sanctions imposed by the US.

According to data from the International Monetary Fund, quoted by Bloomberg, Moscow bought 26.1 tonnes of gold last month, increasing its reserves to 2,170 tonnes. At today's prices, they are worth roughly $83.6 billion, though a Russian government website pegs the value at about $77 billion.

Earlier this year, Moscow cut its holdings of US bills, notes and bonds by about four-fifths, but bought more gold, leading to speculation that the nation was dumping American assets to shield itself from the looming tougher sanctions.

Russia gold buying spree ahead of tougher US sanctionsRussia gold buying spree ahead of tougher US sanctions

The news comes a day after the Trump administration imposed new sanctions against Russia, - this time for helping North Korea evade international sanctions, as Moscow separately was accused of cyberattacks in the United States said to be aimed at undermining the midterm election in November.

The Kremlin continues to deny that it has engaged in any offensive cyber acts at all.

Recent News

Gold stocks lead the large cap miners by far over H1/25

July 07, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks up as the metal price and equities gain

July 07, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Mixed outlook for gold as it remains range bound for past three months

June 30, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks down on flat metal price

June 30, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks down on metal decline

June 23, 2025 / www.canadianminingreport.com
See all >
Share to Youtube Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Linkedin Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Tiktok