Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-11-03 09:51Core Viewpoint - Recent announcements from major banks indicate a strategic shift in response to new tax policies affecting gold transactions, leading to a suspension of certain gold-related services [1][3][4] Group 1: Bank Announcements - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) announced the suspension of its "Ruyi Gold Accumulation" business starting November 3, 2025, due to macroeconomic policy impacts and risk management requirements [1] - China Construction Bank (CCB) also suspended its "Easy Gold" business, including real-time purchases and physical gold exchanges, effective November 3, 2025, while existing customer plans remain unaffected [3] Group 2: Tax Policy Changes - The Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation released new tax policies on gold, effective from November 1, 2025, which will last until December 31, 2027. These policies exempt certain transactions from value-added tax (VAT) [3] - The new regulations differentiate between investment and non-investment uses of gold, impacting the VAT deductions available to businesses producing non-investment gold products [3][4] Group 3: Market Reactions - Following the announcements, stocks of gold retailers such as Lao Pu Gold and Luk Fook Holdings fell nearly 7% during the Hong Kong trading session [4] - Despite recent price corrections, the spot gold price has increased over 50% year-to-date, supported by ongoing demand from central banks and investors seeking safe-haven assets [4]