21深度｜乱局之下避险资产“大分化”：金价飙升美元破百，“黄金时代”拉开大幕

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold prices, breaking the $3,300 per ounce mark, is driven by a combination of technical rebounds, deepening dollar credit crises, and escalating geopolitical tensions [1][2][4] Group 1: Gold Price Dynamics - Gold prices have increased significantly, with a rise of nearly 2% on May 20, reaching approximately $3,289.01 per ounce, and surpassing $3,300 on May 21 [1][2] - The price of gold has cumulatively increased over 26% in 2025, reflecting strong demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical and economic uncertainties [4][11] - The market is witnessing a structural shift in gold investment, particularly in Asia, with sustained growth in gold ETFs driven by investors from China and India [11] Group 2: Dollar Credit Crisis - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, highlighting unsustainable fiscal deficits and rising debt interest, which has weakened confidence in the dollar as a global reserve currency [2][8] - The dollar index fell below 100, significantly lower than its peak of around 110 earlier in the year, indicating a loss of trust in the dollar [2][8] - The foreign exchange options market reflects unprecedented pessimism regarding the dollar's future, with a risk reversal indicator showing a strong preference for put options over calls [8][9] Group 3: Geopolitical Tensions - Escalating geopolitical risks, including potential military actions in the Middle East and stalled ceasefire negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have contributed to the surge in gold prices [2][4] - The geopolitical landscape is influencing investor behavior, with gold becoming a primary choice for hedging against uncertainties as traditional safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries and the dollar face pressure [11][12] Group 4: Future Outlook for Gold - Analysts predict that gold could reach new historical highs, with Goldman Sachs forecasting prices of $3,700 per ounce by the end of 2025 and $4,000 by mid-2026 [12] - The role of gold is evolving from merely a safe-haven asset to a core anchor in the restructuring of the global monetary system, as central banks diversify their reserves by increasing gold holdings [12][13] - The long-term bullish outlook for gold is supported by limited supply growth and strong demand from central banks and ETFs, despite potential short-term volatility [13]