广州期货：避险需求升温，黄金延续涨势

Core Viewpoint - The current market environment is characterized by heightened risk aversion due to ongoing trade tensions, the U.S. government shutdown, recession fears, and the Federal Reserve's shift towards interest rate cuts, which have collectively driven gold and silver prices to new highs [1][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold and silver have shown remarkable performance year-to-date, with Shanghai gold rising approximately 55% and Shanghai silver increasing about 57%, while COMEX gold and silver prices have surged around 59% and 75% respectively [1]. - The renewed trade tensions have acted as a catalyst for increased market risk aversion, leading to a preference for gold and silver as safe-haven assets [1][4]. - The Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates has made precious metals more attractive as non-yielding assets, further boosting their demand [1][4]. Group 2: Central Bank Activities - Global central banks are strategically increasing their gold reserves, providing structural support for gold prices. As of September, China's central bank reported a gold reserve of 74.06 million ounces, up from 74.02 million ounces in August, marking eleven consecutive months of gold accumulation [2]. - The World Gold Council indicates that by August 2025, seven countries, including China, are expected to increase their gold holdings by 2 tons or more, driven by strategic security and asset allocation needs [2]. Group 3: Geopolitical and Economic Factors - Recent geopolitical developments, such as the easing of tensions in the Middle East, have not significantly reduced global geopolitical risks, which remain elevated due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Pakistan-Afghanistan border [2]. - The market anticipates a strong likelihood of the Federal Reserve adopting a more aggressive easing policy in response to potential economic downturns, with a 95.67% probability of a 25 basis point cut in October and a cumulative 50 basis point cut by December [3]. Group 4: Investment Outlook - Multiple favorable factors are contributing to a strong outlook for precious metals, including persistent geopolitical uncertainties, the Federal Reserve's easing stance, and ongoing strategic accumulation by global central banks [4]. - Despite potential technical corrections, the mid-term upward trend in precious metal prices is expected to continue, with a focus on monitoring key driving factors [4].