Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-04-16 13:20Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold prices has reached historical highs, prompting banks to adjust their gold account minimum investment amounts and raising concerns among investors about market volatility [2][4][14]. Gold Price Surge - On April 16, gold prices exceeded $3,300 per ounce in London and COMEX futures, while Shanghai's spot gold reached 782 RMB per gram, marking a new high [2][9]. - The increase in gold prices has led to a rise in offline gold jewelry prices, with several domestic jewelry brands reporting prices over 1,000 RMB per gram for pure gold [2][12]. Bank Adjustments - Several banks, including China Merchants Bank, have raised the minimum investment amount for gold accounts, with the threshold increasing from 750 RMB to 800 RMB [4][5]. - Other banks, such as Everbright Bank and Bank of China, have also adjusted their minimum purchase amounts for gold accumulation products, reflecting the broader trend in the banking sector [6][9]. Market Volatility - The fluctuations in gold prices are attributed to various factors, including macroeconomic conditions, monetary policy changes, and geopolitical events [4][14]. - Analysts suggest that the recent volatility was exacerbated by unexpected policy announcements, leading to significant market reactions and liquidity demands [14][15]. Future Outlook - Analysts predict that gold prices may continue to rise, with potential increases of 10% to 16% in the near term due to ongoing demand for safe-haven assets and central bank gold reserves [15]. - The market is closely monitoring the impact of U.S. economic indicators and Federal Reserve policies, which could further influence gold price movements [14][15].