Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-06 17:08Core Viewpoint - The precious metals market experienced a dramatic decline on February 5, 2026, with silver prices plummeting over 14% and gold dropping more than 3%, leading to significant losses in related stocks and a stark contrast between capital market panic and physical market demand [1][3][4]. Market Performance - On February 5, silver prices fell to a low of $75.83 per ounce, while the Shanghai Futures Exchange saw silver contracts drop nearly 15% to 19,340 yuan per kilogram. Gold prices fell below the critical psychological level of $4,800 [1][4]. - A significant number of stocks related to gold and silver, such as Hunan Gold and Sichuan Gold, hit their daily limit down, reflecting a widespread sell-off in the sector [1][4][5]. Market Dynamics - The decline was preceded by a strong performance in January, where gold prices reached nearly $5,600 per ounce and silver exceeded $120 per ounce, resulting in gains of over 25% for gold and 60% for silver in just a month [3][4]. - The sell-off on February 5 was characterized by a lack of liquidity and a surge in stop-loss orders, creating a downward spiral in prices [4][6]. Regulatory Changes - Prior to the crash, exchanges raised margin requirements for silver contracts, which forced leveraged traders to either add funds or face forced liquidation, exacerbating the price decline [6][12]. - Major banks issued risk warnings to clients regarding the heightened volatility in the precious metals market, advising caution and stricter trading rules [12]. Institutional Behavior - Large investment institutions began to adjust their portfolios, with noticeable outflows from major gold ETFs during the price drop, indicating a shift in institutional sentiment [7][12]. - Analysts noted that the market's reaction was influenced by macroeconomic factors, including potential changes in U.S. Federal Reserve leadership and interest rate expectations, which could strengthen the dollar and negatively impact gold and silver prices [6][12]. Physical Market Response - Despite the turmoil in the capital markets, physical gold and silver demand surged in places like Shenzhen, where customers flocked to purchase gold bars, viewing the price drop as an opportunity [9][10]. - Retail gold prices adjusted downward in response to falling wholesale prices, making gold jewelry more attractive to consumers [10]. Analyst Perspectives - Analysts from various firms expressed differing views on the causes of the market decline, with some attributing it to technical adjustments and profit-taking, while others pointed to macroeconomic uncertainties stemming from U.S. Federal Reserve personnel changes [12][13]. - The overall sentiment in the market shifted from extreme optimism to fear, with many investors now closely monitoring support levels and physical demand to gauge future price stability [13].