Official data showed that the Chinese central bank was reluctant to buy gold for its reserves for the fifth consecutive month in September, mainly due to the rise in the prices of the yellow metal.
China's gold holdings stood at 72.8 million ounces at the end of last month. Despite the refusal to buy, the value of gold reserves rose to $191.47 billion, from $182.98 billion at the end of August.
In contrast, official data showed that China's foreign exchange reserves rose more than expected in September, with the dollar weakening against other major currencies.
