Baku: The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) has significantly bolstered its gold reserves, now exceeding 181 tons. The increase is part of SOFAZ’s strategic decision to enhance its investment in gold, a move that has seen a substantial rise in the Fund’s portfolio allocation to the precious metal.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during the first half of 2025, SOFAZ’s gold investments amounted to $19 billion 133.2 million, representing 28.8% of its total investment portfolio. This marks a significant increase from the end of the previous year, when gold investments were valued at $12 billion 354.6 million, accounting for 20.6% of the portfolio. Over the six-month period, SOFAZ’s gold investments grew by $6 billion 778.6 million.

SOFAZ’s recent acquisition of 15.8 tons of gold in the second quarter of the year contributed to the increase in reserves, which stood at 165.3 tons as of April 1, 2025, and rose to 181.1 tons by July 1. Since the start of 2025, SOFAZ has acquired a total of 34.5 tons of gold, underscoring its commitment to strengthening its position in the gold market.