Central banks dump dollars and yuan in favor of gold

The 'stateless currency' shines as a haven amid geopolitical tension

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According to the International Monetary Fund, as of March 2024, the total balance of global foreign reserves stood at $12.3499 trillion, with the dollar accounting for 58.9% based on currency allocation. © Reuters

YOHEI HIROSE, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Central banks are diversifying away from the dollar and yuan while loading up their foreign exchange reserves with a "stateless currency," gold, in a nod to intensifying geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainties.

The proportion of the U.S. currency in global foreign reserves has dropped significantly, from over 70% in the early 2000s. Currently, the dollar's share of foreign reserves held by central banks and governments worldwide sits at a historic low. China's currency is also trending lower.

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