RUSSIA SELLS 71% OF ITS GOLD RESERVES — NATIONAL WEALTH FUND DRAINED TO 160 TONS

Over the past 3 years, Russia has liquidated nearly 71% of the gold held in its National Wealth Fund — from 554.9 tons in May 2022 to just ~160 tons in early 2026.

📉 What This Reveals:

· Financial Safety Net Eroding

With liquid assets (gold + yuan) at critically low levels, Russia’s ability to absorb oil price shocks or ruble volatility is weakening.

· Reserve Burn Rate Accelerating

If oil prices remain flat, Russia may exhaust remaining reserves faster than expected — forcing harder fiscal choices.

⚡ Crypto & Market Implications:

🪙 Gold Market Pressure

Large-scale official selling can weigh on gold short-term — but may be offset by strong global demand from other central banks and investors.

💎 Crypto as a Sovereignty Hedge

When nations deplete traditional reserves, it underscores the appeal of decentralized, borderless assets like Bitcoin.

🔍 Tokens to watch :

· $ACU — often tied to asset-backed or commodity-linked narratives

· $ENSO — institutional liquidity and cross-chain settlement themes

· $KAIA — long-term infrastructure and adoption focus