Gold Left on the Runway: Central Banks Rush for Bullion

Central banks worldwide are buying gold at record rates. Experts say they want an "insurance policy" against global instability and a less credible US dollar. The rush can create unexpected problems. Serbia’s central bank governor once got a shocking call mid-flight. Millions in gold bars for Belgrade had been left on a Swiss airport runway. In air cargo, perishable items like flowers take priority over even extremely valuable bullion. "We learned this the hard way," the governor said. This scramble highlights a major shift. Banks are securing physical gold to protect their reserves, moving away from traditional assets.