In October 2025, South Africa's gross foreign exchange reserves surged to an unprecedented $71.55 billion, up from $69.74 billion in September. This growth was attributed to an increase in foreign currency reserves, which rose to $48.839 billion from $47.795 billion the prior month, as well as a hike in gold reserves, climbing to $16.210 billion from $15.383 billion. However, holdings of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) showed a slight decline, falling to $6.501 billion from $6.561 billion. Additionally, the forward position, indicative of the central bank's outstanding or swap transactions, saw a marked reduction to $0.602 billion in October, down from $1.178 billion in the previous month.