Arab Finance: Egypt’s gold reserves rose month-on-month (MoM) by $1.92 billion in August, helping push the country’s net international reserves (NIR) to a record high despite a decline in foreign currency holdings, according to data from the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

Gold reserves, one of the components of Egypt’s NIR, rose to about $19.058 billion at the end of August from $17.139 billion end-July, the data showed. Gold reserves also increased year on year (YoY) from the recorded $14.088 billion in August 2025.

The country's NIR stood at $57.215 billion at the end of August 2026, marking their highest level on record and the 48th consecutive monthly increase.

The rise in NIR came despite foreign currency holdings declining to about $37.553 billion in August from $37.99 billion a month earlier, marking their first monthly decline in six months.

Meanwhile, gross official reserves totaled $57.217 billion during the month.

The country’s special drawing rights (SDRs) reached $606 million at the end of August, up from $446 million in July.

International reserves are external assets held by the central bank, including foreign currencies and gold. Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency include remittances from Egyptians working abroad, export revenues, and Suez Canal receipts, among others.

Managed by the CBE, the reserves serve as a buffer against external economic shocks and help strengthen the country’s ability to meet its external obligations.