LFX(SH:600612) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-17 23:29Core Viewpoint - The gold market is experiencing significant volatility influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and geopolitical tensions, leading to a shift in consumer behavior towards bank gold purchases over traditional jewelry stores [1][5][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The gold price fluctuated between $3,300 and $3,380, with a closing price of $1,986.65 per ounce on July 15, translating to approximately 459 yuan per gram in the domestic market [7]. - The construction bank's gold repurchase window is seeing long queues, indicating a preference for bank gold bars, which are perceived as more profitable compared to jewelry store buyback prices [5][8]. - The World Gold Council reported that central banks purchased 244 tons of gold in the first quarter, with China's central bank increasing its reserves by 6 tons in June, highlighting a trend of institutional accumulation [7]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly opting for bank gold bars due to lower costs and better returns, as illustrated by a customer who calculated a significant difference in processing fees between bank gold and jewelry store purchases [8]. - A customer expressed regret over selling gold jewelry back to a store at a loss, emphasizing the growing awareness of the financial implications of gold purchases [3]. - The contrasting experiences at jewelry stores, where foot traffic is declining, versus banks, where demand is rising, reflect a shift in consumer sentiment towards gold investments [5][8]. Group 3: Geopolitical Influences - Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have not sustained upward pressure on gold prices, as evidenced by a brief price increase followed by a rapid decline [7]. - The Federal Reserve's stance on inflation control remains a critical factor affecting market expectations, with recent inflation data dampening hopes for imminent interest rate cuts [8].