All Reserve Currencies
Compare the 8 major currencies tracked in the IMF COFER dataset as of Q4 2025. These currencies represent over 94% of all allocated foreign exchange reserves held by 149 central banks worldwide.
| Rank | Currency | Share | Amount (USD) | QoQ Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇺🇸 USDUnited States Dollar | -0.15pp | ||
| 2 | 🇪🇺 EUREuro | -0.08pp | ||
| 3 | 🇯🇵 JPYJapanese Yen | -0.25pp | ||
| 4 | 🇬🇧 GBPBritish Pound Sterling | -0.21pp | ||
| 5 | 🇨🇳 CNYChinese Yuan Renminbi | +0.02pp | ||
| 6 | 🇦🇺 AUDAustralian Dollar | -0.09pp | ||
| 7 | 🇨🇦 CADCanadian Dollar | -0.11pp | ||
| 8 | 🇨🇭 CHFSwiss Franc | -0.01pp |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a currency a reserve currency?
A reserve currency is a foreign currency held in significant quantities by central banks. It requires deep and liquid financial markets, currency convertibility, macroeconomic stability, and trust in the issuing country's institutions. Only a handful of currencies meet these criteria at scale.
How many reserve currencies does the IMF track?
The IMF COFER dataset separately identifies eight currencies: the US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, Chinese Yuan, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Swiss Franc. All remaining currencies are grouped into an "Other" category.
Can the ranking of reserve currencies change?
Yes, but slowly. Reserve shares shift gradually as central banks rebalance portfolios. The US Dollar has declined from about 71% in 2000 to roughly 57%, while non-traditional currencies like the Canadian and Australian Dollars have gained ground over the same period.
About Reserve Currencies
Reserve currencies are foreign currencies held in significant quantities by central banks and monetary authorities as part of their foreign exchange reserves. The IMF's Currency Composition of Official Foreign Exchange Reserves (COFER) dataset tracks the allocation of these reserves across major currencies. The data is reported voluntarily by 149 IMF member economies and is published quarterly with approximately a 3-month lag.