COMEX黄金期货价格较高点回调约180美元/盎司 业界：对冲基金高抛低吸成沽空推手，黄金生产贸易商与投行积极护盘但“算盘不一”

Core Viewpoint - Since reaching a historical high on April 22, gold prices have experienced a pullback, with COMEX gold futures trading around $3,325.3 per ounce as of April 29, down approximately $180 from the previous week's peak of $3,509.9 per ounce [1] Group 1: Hedge Fund Activity - The recent decline in gold prices is attributed to hedge funds reducing their net long positions in COMEX gold futures, with a decrease of 1.1196 million ounces reported for the week of April 22 [2][4] - Hedge funds have been consistently reducing their net long positions since mid-April, driven by a historical pattern of price corrections following new highs [2][11] - Despite the selling pressure from hedge funds, gold prices initially continued to rise due to concerns over global trade and economic uncertainties, which drove investors to seek gold as a safe haven [3][8] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The market saw a significant inflow into gold ETFs, with a net inflow of $3.3 billion, indicating a growing preference for gold as an investment [10] - The increase in gold ETF holdings during the first quarter of this year was 226.5 tons, which supported the rising gold prices [11] - The sentiment among hedge funds remains bullish on gold, as they continue to view it as a valuable asset despite their recent profit-taking strategies [11][12] Group 3: Protective Measures by Traders - Gold producers and trading firms have increased their net long positions in COMEX gold futures to counteract the selling pressure from hedge funds, with increases of 520,800 ounces and 1,993,700 ounces respectively [12] - The actions of trading firms are aimed at maintaining market liquidity, especially when hedge funds are heavily shorting gold futures [12][13] - The protective strategies employed by trading firms may not fully offset the selling pressure from hedge funds, indicating a complex market dynamic [12][13] Group 4: Future Price Expectations - Analysts predict that gold prices may reach $3,350 per ounce by the end of the year, with potential average prices of $3,900 per ounce by next year if demand from central banks continues [14] - The current geopolitical and economic environment is characterized by rising risks and inflation expectations, enhancing gold's appeal as a traditional safe-haven asset [14]