Russia bought about 19.7 metric tons of gold last month as the world’s fifth-biggest holder added metal to its reserves amid a weaker ruble and lower oil prices.
Holdings rose to 37.6 million ounces, or about 1,169.5 tons, the central bank said today on its website, taking this year’s purchases by the end of October to 134.3 tons, according to Bloomberg calculations based on International Monetary Fund data. About 150 tons have been bought in 2014, central bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina told lawmakers two days ago. That indicates another 15.7 tons or so were added so far this month.
