BEIJING, April 29 -- Global gold demand, including over-the-counter trading, rose 2 percent year on year to 1,231 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, an industry report said Wednesday.

Global demand for gold bars and coins increased 42 percent year on year to 474 tonnes, marking the second-highest quarter on record, with Asian investors hoovering up gold investment products, according to the report released by the World Gold Council.

According to the report, jewelry consumption stood at 300 tonnes, down 23 percent, but the levels of spending increased 31 percent, signalling continued positive sentiment toward gold jewelry.

Central banks continued to purchase gold, with global gold reserves rising by 244 tonnes in the first quarter of ...