startrader:黄金涨到连土豪都剁手！“买黄金”变成“卖黄金”

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold prices, surpassing $3000 per ounce with a year-to-date increase of over 15%, has led to a significant shift in consumer behavior in Asia and the Middle East, where customers are now selling their gold rather than buying it [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The ongoing trend of selling gold could potentially reduce gold imports in major markets, which may suppress the upward momentum of gold prices [3]. - In India's Zaveri Bazaar, a "scrap gold frenzy" is occurring, with individuals like textile merchant Unmesh Patel selling gold coins for a 25% profit, indicating a strong incentive to sell rather than hold [3]. - The price of gold in India has skyrocketed by 32% since the government reduced import taxes, reaching a historic high of 89,796 rupees per 10 grams [3]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The wedding season in India, typically a peak time for gold purchases, has transformed into a "trade-in season," with customers opting to exchange old gold for new items due to high prices [3]. - In the Middle East, even affluent consumers are hesitant to purchase gold, with a notable decline in demand, particularly among Indian tourists who previously shopped extensively in Dubai [4]. - In China, consumers are shifting from buying gold jewelry to investing in gold bars, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing investment over consumption [4][5]. Group 3: Regional Insights - In Singapore, an influx of gold shops has emerged, with customers seeking to cash in on old gold jewelry, highlighting a shift in market dynamics [5]. - The overall sentiment in the gold market is described as "psychologically split," where gold as a cultural symbol is losing ground to consumer financial constraints, while its status as a safe-haven asset remains strong [5].