Published：Jun 30, 08:16Last updated：Jul 9, 02:00

Global Foreign Reserve Dynamics in Mid-2026

Jun. 30, 2026 08:16

South Korean authorities sold a net $13.6 billion in the first quarter to stabilize the foreign exchange market. The won weakened against the dollar, prompting intervention. Foreign reserves fell by nearly $4 billion in March due to market volatility.

Summarized

10News

7Media

Jul. 8, 2026 16:26

China's central bank purchased 15 tons of gold in June, extending a 20-month buying streak. This contrasts with institutional investors selling gold due to rising U.S. interest rates. Emerging market central banks are increasing gold reserves as prices fall, highlighting divergent investment strategies.

Jul. 9, 2026 02:00

South Korea issued euro-denominated foreign exchange stabilization bonds worth 1.7 billion euros on Wednesday. The bonds, with maturities of three and seven years, mark the country's largest-ever euro issuance. The finance ministry emphasized the bonds' role in maintaining economic resilience amid external uncertainties. The issuance reflects global investors' confidence in South Korea's economy.

Foreign exchange reserves across major Asian economies showed divergent trends in mid-2026, with interventions and market forces shaping national strategies. South Korea actively stabilized its currency through market interventions, while China maintained massive reserves despite monthly fluctuations. Indonesia bucked the trend with rising reserves, reflecting regional economic diversity.

💰 South Korea's Market Interventions

The Bank of Korea sold $13.6 billion in Q1 2026 to stabilize the won, which hit decade-low levels against the dollar. Despite these efforts, reserves fell by $4 billion in March due to volatility. However, June saw a $370 million rebound to $427.36 billion, aided by institutional deposits. The country also set records with a $1.9 billion bond sale and 1.7 billion euro issuance. Yonhap News Agency+3

🏦 China's Reserve Management

China's reserves decreased by $26 billion to $3.4163 trillion in June, influenced by dollar strength and global asset fluctuations. The State Administration of Foreign Exchange emphasized stable fundamentals while diversifying assets, including gold reserves that grew for 20 consecutive months to 75.44 million ounces. Gold purchases continued despite institutional sell-offs. Huanqiu+3

🌏 Indonesia's Positive Trajectory

Indonesia's reserves rose to $145.6 billion in June, marking its first annual increase. The central bank credited tax revenues and service sector performance for this growth, which enhances economic buffer capacity. This contrasts with regional peers facing reserve pressures from currency interventions. ChinaNews

ChinaIndonesiaSouth KoreaBank of KoreaState Administration of Foreign Exchange