美国诺克斯堡仓库里的“压箱底宝贝”，为什么不敢用？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the U.S. not utilizing its gold reserves at Fort Knox, suggesting that a revaluation of gold could potentially alleviate the $26 trillion debt crisis, while raising concerns about the actual availability of gold reserves [1][4][6]. Group 1: Historical Context - The U.S. dollar decoupled from gold in 1971, leading to a system where the dollar became the global reserve currency, resulting in persistent trade deficits and reliance on foreign investments [3]. - Countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Japan have started selling U.S. Treasury bonds, indicating a shift in foreign investment behavior [3][4]. Group 2: Current Financial Dynamics - The U.S. is increasingly relying on domestic institutions, such as the Federal Reserve and commercial banks, to purchase its debt, leading to a "fiscal internal circulation" [4]. - The cost of borrowing is rising as the U.S. government struggles to find buyers for its debt, forcing the Federal Reserve to print more money [4][6]. Group 3: Gold Valuation and Implications - The U.S. holds the largest gold reserves globally, officially recorded at 8,133.5 tons, valued at only $42.22 per ounce, while the current market price exceeds $3,000 per ounce [4][6]. - A revaluation of gold at market prices could create an additional $26 trillion in assets, significantly improving the debt-to-GDP ratio [4][6]. Group 4: Risks of Gold Revaluation - There are concerns that the gold reserves may not be as substantial as reported, leading to fears of a potential loss of confidence in the U.S. dollar if the truth were revealed [6][12]. - The article suggests that the U.S. is avoiding gold revaluation due to the risk of exposing potential discrepancies in its gold holdings [6][12]. Group 5: Shift to Cryptocurrencies - With the gold route deemed risky, the U.S. is increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and stablecoins as alternative financial instruments [8][12]. - The rise of stablecoins poses a risk to monetary sovereignty, as they are not directly controlled by the Federal Reserve, potentially leading to a loss of regulatory power over the broader monetary system [8][12]. Group 6: Global Implications - The article highlights the strategic importance of gold for non-U.S. countries, positioning it as a counterbalance to the dollar-centric financial system [12]. - The ongoing competition between gold and cryptocurrencies represents a significant shift in the global financial landscape, with potential long-term consequences for the U.S. dollar's dominance [12].