El Salvador Adds $50 Million in Gold as Bitcoin-Backed Reserve Strategy Expands

The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador has added $50 million worth of gold to the country’s international reserves, reinforcing a dual-asset strategy that combines traditional bullion with significant Bitcoin exposure.

The purchase, finalized in late January 2026, consisted of 9,298 troy ounces of gold, lifting El Salvador’s total gold holdings to 67,403 ounces, now valued at approximately $360 million at current market prices.

President Nayib Bukele acknowledged the acquisition publicly, describing the move as “buying the dip” during a period of gold price volatility.

Updated Reserve Composition

Following the latest purchase, El Salvador’s reserve structure reflects a deliberate diversification strategy:

• Gold Holdings: 67,403 ounces, valued at roughly $360 million
• Bitcoin Holdings: 7,547 BTC, valued at approximately $635 million
• Latest Gold Purchase: $50 million (9,298 troy ounces)

The central bank’s approach aims to reduce reliance on a single reserve asset while balancing exposure between traditional safe havens and digital assets.

Second Gold Purchase in Recent History

This marks El Salvador’s second major gold acquisition in recent months and only its second such move in more than three decades. In September 2025, the central bank made its first gold purchase in 35 years, acquiring 13,999 ounces for approximately $50 million.

The renewed accumulation signals a structural shift in how the country manages its reserves, pairing gold’s historical role as a store of value with Bitcoin’s long-term strategic position in national policy.

Global Context and Timing

El Salvador’s gold buying comes amid a broader global trend of central banks increasing bullion reserves in response to geopolitical uncertainty and currency risk. Gold prices reached record levels near $4,429 per ounce earlier this month, making the timing of the purchase notable.

By adding gold alongside Bitcoin, El Salvador continues to pursue a reserve strategy that blends conventional monetary assets with alternative stores of value, an approach that remains closely watched by both traditional financial institutions and the crypto market.

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