List of countries by foreign-exchange reserves

Foreign exchange reserves, also called Forex reserves, in a strict sense, are foreign-currency deposits held by nationals and monetary authorities. However, in popular usage and in the list below, it also includes gold reserves, special drawing rights (SDRs) and IMF reserve position because this total figure, which is usually more accurately termed as official reserves or international reserves or official international reserves, is more readily available and also arguably more meaningful. These foreign-currency deposits are the financial assets of the central banks and monetary authorities that are held in different reserve currencies (e.g., the U.S. dollar, the euro, the pound sterling, the Japanese yen, the Swiss franc, the Indian rupees and the Chinese renminbi) and which are used to back its liabilities (e.g., the local currency issued and the various bank reserves deposited with the Central bank by the government or financial institutions). Before the end of the gold standard, gold was the preferred reserve currency.
Foreign-exchange reserves is generally used to intervene in the foreign exchange market to stabilize or influence the value of a country's currency. Central banks can buy or sell foreign currency to influence exchange rates directly. For example, if a currency is depreciating, a central bank can sell its reserves in foreign currency to buy its own currency, creating demand and helping to stabilize its value. High levels of reserves instill confidence among investors and traders. If market participants believe that a country has sufficient reserves to support its currency, they are less likely to engage in speculative attacks that could lead to a sharp depreciation. In times of economic uncertainty or financial market volatility, central banks can use reserves to smooth out fluctuations in the exchange rate, reducing the impact of sudden capital outflows or shocks to the economy. Adequate reserves ensure that a country can meet its international payment obligations, which helps maintain a stable exchange rate by preventing panic in the foreign exchange market. Having substantial reserves allows central banks to implement monetary policies more effectively. They can afford to maintain interest rates or engage in other measures without the immediate fear of depleting reserves, which can influence market expectations positively.
All the figures below have been converted to U.S. dollars, as different countries report data in different currencies. The U.S. dollar equivalents have been calculated using currency exchange rates as well as the gold price at the reported date. Not all countries keep gold as reserves, to avoid physical storage costs and the risks associated with it. In these cases no values are shown in the excluding gold columns.
Top five countries with the largest foreign exchange reserves have reserves of at least 500 billion USD and higher and have maintained such an amount for at least a month.
The Currency Composition of Foreign Exchange Reserves (COFER) refers to the breakdown of the foreign exchange reserves held by central banks around the world, based on the currencies in which those reserves are denominated. These reserves are typically held in the form of deposits, bonds, and other liquid assets, and they play a critical role in managing a country's exchange rate policy, stabilizing its currency, and meeting international financial obligations. IMF releases the quarterly data on the currency composition of official foreign exchange reserves. The data are reported to the IMF on a voluntary and confidential basis. COFER data for individual countries are strictly confidential. At present there are 149 reporters, consisting of member countries of the IMF, non-member countries/economies, and other foreign exchanges reserve holding entities. From Q4 2016, the data was expanded to include renminbi (CNY). Monetary gold is not covered in COFER but included in reserved assets, a broader scope than that of COFER.
The U.S. dollar remains the dominant currency in global foreign exchange reserves, typically accounting for around 60% to 65% of total reserves, although this share has seen some gradual decline over the past few decades due to diversification trends. The euro is the second-largest currency held in reserves, making up around 20% to 25% of global reserves. The share of the euro fluctuates based on factors like the European Union's economic stability and the policies of the European Central Bank. The Chinese yuan (also known as the renminbi) has been increasingly used in foreign reserves, particularly after China became a part of the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket in 2016. Its share is still relatively small compared to the USD and EUR, typically around 2% to 3%. The Japanese yen is another significant reserve currency, though its share is typically lower than the euro or yuan, usually around 4% to 5%. The British pound sterling holds a smaller but still notable portion of global reserves, typically around 4% to 5%. Several other currencies, such as the Swiss franc (CHF), Canadian dollar (CAD), and Australian dollar (AUD), also make up a small but significant portion of foreign reserves. However, none of these currencies surpass the USD, EUR, or JPY in terms of global reserves. The SDR is an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is not a currency but rather a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF member countries. The SDR basket includes the U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and British pound. While SDRs are not used as widely as the major currencies, some countries include them in their reserves.
In recent years, many central banks have diversified their foreign exchange reserves away from the U.S. dollar, driven by geopolitical risks, the desire to reduce dependency on the dollar, and the increasing importance of the Chinese yuan. However, this shift has been gradual, and the USD continues to dominate. Major events, such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and fluctuations in global trade patterns, have affected how countries allocate their foreign exchange reserves. For example, during periods of heightened uncertainty, central banks may increase their reserves in safe-haven currencies like the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc. China's increasing global economic influence has prompted a rise in the use of the yuan for trade and reserve purposes. The International Monetary Fund's inclusion of the yuan in the SDR basket in 2016 further legitimized its use as a global reserve currency.
The currency composition of foreign exchange reserves affects global financial markets, interest rates, and currency valuations. A high concentration in a single currency (especially the U.S. dollar) can lead to vulnerabilities in times of global economic stress. Conversely, diversification into other currencies may provide greater stability but also presents challenges in terms of liquidity and market depth. For example, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries increased their foreign exchange reserves to prepare for potential financial disruptions, and the U.S. dollar surged temporarily as investors sought safety. However, over time, countries may seek to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar, especially if they are concerned about inflationary pressures or geopolitical risks linked to U.S. policy.