Core Viewpoint - The global precious metals market experienced a significant surge from December 22 to 23, with COMEX gold surpassing $4500 per ounce and spot gold breaking the $4400 per ounce mark, achieving an annual increase of over 68%, both reaching historical highs [1][15]. Price Movements - Current prices for precious metals include: - London Gold: $4421.35, up 1.91% - London Silver: $68.952, up 2.84% - COMEX Gold: $4453.5, up 1.51% - COMEX Silver: $69.040, up 2.30% [3][17]. - Domestic gold jewelry prices have also surged, with brands like Chow Sang Sang pricing their gold jewelry at ¥1403 per gram, an increase of ¥36 from the previous day [3][17]. Market Demand and Consumer Behavior - There has been a notable increase in consumer demand for gold, with reports of long queues at jewelry stores during promotional events, indicating a buying frenzy [6][20]. - The price of platinum has also risen, exceeding $2000 per ounce for the first time since 2008, with domestic platinum prices reaching ¥837 per gram [6][20]. Future Outlook - UBS Wealth Management anticipates that gold could achieve its best annual performance since 1979, supported by strong demand from central banks and a continued low-interest-rate environment from the Federal Reserve [10][24]. - Analysts from various institutions express optimism about the future of gold prices, suggesting that there is no immediate risk of a price peak, especially with the holiday trading period approaching [11][25]. Regulatory Response - The recent surge in precious metal prices has attracted regulatory attention, leading to the implementation of risk prevention measures for silver futures contracts by the Shanghai Futures Exchange [14][28].