Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-01-29 14:28Core Viewpoint - The price of gold has surged, breaking through the $5,500 per ounce mark, prompting banks to adjust their gold-related business practices, reflecting a cautious approach to compliance and risk management [1][6]. Group 1: Bank Adjustments - Banks are making adjustments in three main areas: lowering gold account interest rates, increasing investment thresholds, and strengthening risk assessments [1][4]. - For instance, Ningbo Bank has reduced its fixed deposit gold product rates, with current rates ranging from 0% for demand deposits to 0.5% for 12-month deposits, down from previous rates [2]. - Similarly, Ping An Bank is adjusting its gold accumulation business rates, with a decrease of 19-30 basis points across various terms [2][3]. Group 2: Increased Investment Thresholds - Several banks have raised the minimum investment amounts for gold accumulation products, such as Everbright Bank increasing its minimum from 1,000 yuan to 1,200 yuan within a short period [3]. - Agricultural Bank has also implemented a risk assessment requirement for clients wishing to engage in gold accumulation, necessitating a cautious risk profile [4]. Group 3: Risk Assessment Enhancements - Banks are enhancing risk assessment protocols, with institutions like ICBC requiring clients to achieve a minimum risk tolerance level of C3 (balanced) for gold accumulation products, up from C1 (conservative) [3][4]. - This shift indicates a significant increase in the risk profile required for clients, reflecting banks' concerns over market volatility and compliance [4]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Investor Guidance - The recent surge in gold prices is attributed to heightened geopolitical risks and a weakening dollar, which has increased demand for gold as a safe-haven asset [6]. - Analysts suggest that while investing in gold remains viable, investors should be cautious of high volatility and avoid chasing prices, focusing instead on long-term strategies and asset allocation [7].