Lead: Tether and El Salvador moved decisively into gold in Q2 2025. The headline facts are short and clear. Tether disclosed about $8.7 billion in gold bullion and XAUT reserves. El Salvador bought 13,999 troy ounces for roughly $50 million. This marks the country’s first central-bank gold purchase since 1990.
Tether and Zurich vault
Tether stores its bullion in a Zurich vault. The company issues XAUT, a gold-backed stablecoin. Tether also described gold as “the natural Bitcoin.” It plans to invest another $100 million in Elemental Altus Royalties. These steps show gold investments by Tether and El Salvador at scale.
El Salvador diversifies reserves
El Salvador’s central bank increased physical bullion holdings in 2025. Its total gold now sits near 58,105 ounces, about $207 million in value. The country still holds roughly 6,200 Bitcoin. Officials framed the purchase as reserve diversification and stability. The move sits alongside El Salvador’s crypto-forward policy.
Elemental Altus deal
Tether is negotiating an added stake in Elemental Altus Royalties. Elemental Altus Royalties is a Canadian gold royalty firm. The deal links bullion, royalties, and token exposure. XAUT gives traders tokenized access to physical gold. This approach broadens how gold investments by Tether and El Salvador can work.
Gold the natural Bitcoin
Executives argue gold mirrors Bitcoin on scarcity and store-of-value traits. Both assets appeal when fiat risk rises. Tether’s messaging positions gold as a counterweight to fiat and crypto volatility. Investors may treat XAUT and bullion as portfolio hedges. The pairing of Bitcoin and gold reshapes reserve narratives.
Market implications Q2 2025
These purchases recalibrate reserve strategies across crypto and finance. Traders may see reduced tail risk when gold backs reserves. Central banks could copy parts of this playbook. For now, expect more reporting on bullion, XAUT, and royalty stakes. The trend cements gold investments by Tether and El Salvador as a topic to watch.
Frequently asked questions about gold investments by Tether and El Salvador (FAQ)
Q: what holdings did Tether disclose in Q2 2025?
A: Tether reported roughly $8.7 billion in gold bullion, XAUT reserves, and plans for a royalty stake.
Q: why did El Salvador buy gold now?
A: Officials cite reserve diversification and stabilizing a crypto-heavy balance sheet.
Q: are Tether and El Salvador coordinating purchases?
A: Not directly public, but both moves echo the same diversification logic.
Sources to this article
Tether (2025) Q2 Report; Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador (2025) gold purchase announcement; Elemental Altus Royalties (2025) corporate filings.
