The World Gold Council's latest report reveals a 4% increase in global gold demand, reaching 1,258 tonnes in the second quarter of this year. This marks the strongest Q2 since the Council began tracking data in 2000. Central banks drove a 6% year-on-year rise in net gold purchases to 184 tonnes, reflecting a push for portfolio protection and diversification. However, record gold prices led to a 19% drop in Q2 jewelry consumption, hitting a four-year low of 391 tonnes.