CBE Reports Sharp Rise in Gold Reserves to $17.25 Billion

Egypt’s gold holdings within its official foreign exchange reserves recorded a notable increase at the end of November 2025, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

The value of gold assets rose to $17.252 billion, up from $16.545 billion at the end of October, an expansion of approximately $798 million in just one month. The increase underscores the Central Bank’s continued strategy of bolstering its gold position amid persistent global financial volatility and fluctuating commodity prices.

While gold reserves surged, the data shows a decline in foreign currency assets, which fell to $32.905 billion in November from $33.350 billion in the previous month, marking a drop of $445 million. The shift suggests a recalibration within the reserve structure, potentially influenced by market movements, repayment schedules, or liquidity management decisions.

In addition, Egypt’s holdings of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), an international reserve asset allocated by the IMF, also decreased sharply. SDR balances slipped to $61 million at the end of November, compared with $179 million in October, posting a decline of $118 million.

The combined figures reflect a broader realignment within Egypt’s reserve components as policymakers navigate global economic pressures, including shifting commodity prices, currency market adjustments, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

The Central Bank has not yet issued further commentary on the month-to-month fluctuations, though analysts note that rising gold reserves may signal a defensive strategy aimed at enhancing reserve stability and hedging against external shocks.