Why Countries Keep Foreign Currency Reserves

Central banks typically hold cash in currencies from other countries. But why?

Topics:

Economic Growth Geo-Economics and Politics

Share:

Forum Stories newsletter

Bringing you weekly curated insights and analysis on the global issues that matter.

Subscribe today

More on Economic Growth
See all

European leaders find common ground on ways to sharpen the region’s competitive edge

Marushia Gislén and Emmy Van Enk

July 8, 2026

The new investment race does not have to become a new development divide

What makes a country ‘rich’? And more top economic stories

Supporting more sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector

AI and entry-level jobs: What's the greatest risk in replacing early-career roles with technology?

How faster permitting and policy certainty can increase energy security while cutting costs