China’s foreign-exchange reserves rose $19.55 billion to $3.438 trillion in August 2026 from $3.419 trillion in July, exceeding the $3.425 trillion median forecast in a Reuters poll and the same forecast cited in a Wall Street Journal economist survey. The yuan gained 0.49% against the U.S. dollar while the dollar weakened 0.4% against a basket of major currencies, and a surging trade surplus added to concerns about upward pressure on the yuan. The People’s Bank of China extended its gold-buying streak to 22 consecutive months, purchasing 650,000 fine troy ounces in August and lifting holdings from 76.08 million ounces in July to 76.73 million ounces. The August addition, about 20.2 metric tons, was the largest since October 2023 and followed an acceleration from 160,000 ounces in March to 480,000 in June and 640,000 in July. China’s gold reserves were valued at $350.08 billion at the end of August, up from $306.35 billion a month earlier as bullion prices rose 9.7% during the month. Spot gold later traded near $4,395 an ounce on September 7, pressured by expectations of tighter U.S. monetary policy and stronger employment data.