“黄金估值已达极端水平，”花旗警告：金价支柱面临坍塌

Core Viewpoint - Citi Research warns that gold valuations have reached extreme levels, with global gold spending as a percentage of GDP soaring to 0.7%, the highest in 55 years. If the gold allocation ratio returns to the historical norm of 0.35%-0.4%, gold prices could face a "halving" risk [1][10]. Group 1: Current Market Conditions - The current gold price is completely detached from the marginal production costs of mining, with high-cost gold miners experiencing profit margins at a 50-year high [6]. - Citi's report indicates that a mere 5% exit of profit-taking could offset global physical demand, leading to significant market disruption [2][13]. - The report highlights that the current annual gold spending as a percentage of GDP is far above levels seen during the 1980 oil crisis, indicating a disconnection from the real economy [3]. Group 2: Future Price Predictions - Citi maintains a target price of $5,000 per ounce for the next 0-3 months but expresses caution for the second half of 2026, predicting a decline to $4,000 per ounce by 2027 [2][15][19]. - The report outlines a base case scenario where gold prices will average $4,600 in 2026, with quarterly predictions showing a decline from $5,000 in Q1 to $4,200 in Q4 [15][18]. - Three scenarios are presented: a bull market scenario predicting $6,000 per ounce (20% probability), a base case of $4,000 (60% probability), and a bear market scenario of $3,000 (20% probability) [19]. Group 3: Risks to Gold Prices - The report identifies that the support for current high gold prices may diminish as geopolitical tensions ease, particularly with expectations of a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict by mid-2026 [11]. - Economic conditions in the U.S. are expected to improve, which could reduce the need for gold as a hedge, particularly if the economy enters a "Goldilocks" phase of high growth and low inflation [11]. - The independence of the Federal Reserve is anticipated to remain intact, which could further contribute to downward pressure on gold prices [11].