Hit multi year high in January on higher FX and gold holdings
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) international reserves rose by USD1.4b (+1.1% MoM) to USD126.9b as of 30 January 2026, the highest in more than 11 years
- The increase lifted import cover to 4.8 months (Dec: 4.7). The reserves-to-short-term external debt ratio was unchanged at 0.9 time.
Higher FX and gold holdings drove the increase
- Foreign currency reserves extended their uptrend for a tenth straight month, rising by USD0.8b (+0.7% MoM) to USD111.3b, supported by net capital inflows. Net FX reserves climbed to a 43-month high of USD77.2b in December (Nov: USD75.6b) due to a smaller predetermined short-term net drain.
- Gold reserves jumped by USD0.5b (+9.3% MoM) to a record of USD5.9b, likely reflecting higher holdings from 1.25m fine troy ounces, unchanged since Oct-18.
- Other reserve assets rose by USD0.1b (+4.2% MoM), while special drawing rights and the IMF reserve position were broadly unchanged.
Download Full Content:
