One week ago we reported [7]that while Russia was dumping a record amount of Treasurys it was buying gold, or some 900,000 ounces to be precise [7]. Today we learn that as Russia continues to purchase gold, and is likely taking advantage of the recent rout in gold prices, it certainly won't be storing its physical metal with any of the western Central Banks. According to Reuters, shortly after Russia and China announced their historic gas deal, Vladimit Putin said at the recent International Economic Forum, that Russia need to ensure its gold and currency reserves are secure. And not just Russia: China too. Because apparently when it comes to speaking for "hard" monetary policy, Putin is now authorized to speak for both nations.
From Reuters [8]:
"For us (Russia and China) it is important to deposit those (gold and currency reserves) in a rational and secure way," he said. "And we together need to think of how to do that keeping in mind the uneasy situation in the global economy."
Putin also said China and Russia will consider further steps to shift to use of national currencies in bilateral transactions.
And while we are confident the entire world is enjoying the now 5 year long foreplay, the time may have come for the PBOC to finally reveal what its updated gold reserves are. Maybe it can use Putin for that too.