The read
Analysis of Oct 28, 2026, on data through Oct 28, 2026. Charts under each judgment are its evidence; sources are linked in the text.
- The dollar's share of world reserves is at a low, and what is gaining is gold and smaller currencies, not the renminbi. The dollar makes up 56.7% of central banks' currency reserves, lower than in 97% of quarters since 1999, down from 72.1% in 1999 Q2. The euro holds 20.6%. The renminbi, at 2.1%, is below its 2021 peak of 2.9% in 2021 Q4.
What central banks hold: currency shares of reserves
Share of allocated foreign-exchange reserves worldwide, quarterly (IMF COFER). Excludes gold.
Source: IMF COFER.
Readings in this chart