Monday, October 17, 2011

World's biggest gold reserves

Gold has remained one of the most sought after assets in the world. Even in times of economic uncertainty, gold continues to be a safe bet for investors.


A gold reserve is held by a central bank or nation as a valuable resource and as a guarantee to redeem promises to pay depositors, note holders or to secure a currency.

The world's consumption of new gold is about 50 per cent in jewellery, 40 per cent in investments and 10 per cent in industry.

1. United States

Gold reserves: 8133.5 tonnes

The United States owns the world's largest gold reserves.

Gold constitutes 74.7 per cent of the nation's foreign exchange reserves.

2. Germany

Gold reserves: 3,401.0 tonnes

In Germany, gold forms 71.7 per cent of the foreign exchange reserves.


3. IMF

Gold reserves 2,814.0 tonnes

The International Monetary Fund ranks third in terms of gold reserves.
4. Italy

Gold reserves: 2,451.8 tonnes

Gold reserves form 71.4 per cent of the total foreign exchange reserves in Italy.


5. France

Gold reserves; 2,435.4 tonnes

France ranks fifth with gold constituting 66.1 per cent of its total forex reserves.

6. China

Gold reserves: 1,054.1 tonnes

China, set to overtake India as the world's largest gold consumer is ranked 6th in the world.

Gold forms 1.6 per cent of the country's forex reserves.


7. Switzerland

Gold reserves: 1,040.1 tonnes

Gold constitutes 17.6 per cent of the total forex in Switzerland.


8. Russia

Gold reserves: 830.5 tonnes

Gold forms 7.8 per cent of the total forex in Russia.



9. Japan

Gold reserves: 765.2 tonnes

Gold forms 3.3 per cent of the total foreign exchange reserves in Japan.



10. The Netherlands

Gold reserves: 612.5 tonnes

Gold constitutes 59.4 per cent of the total foreign exchange reserves in The Netherlands.



11. India

Gold reserves: 557.7 tonnes

India, the world's largest consumer of gold ranks 11th in terms of gold reserves. Gold constitutes 8.7 per cent of the total forex reserves.

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