CENTRAL BANK GOLD BUYING SURGES Goldman Sachs says central banks likely stepped up gold purchases in November, continuing a multiyear diversification trend. The bank estimates buying rose to 64 tons in September from 21 tons in August and maintains its forecast for gold to reach 4,900 by end-2026. Spot gold traded near 4,068 on Monday, up 55% this year on geopolitics, ETF inflows, and expectations of further U.S. rate cuts.(*Walter Bloomberg)