Bei Jing Shang Bao·2026-02-11 01:55Core Insights - The insurance funds have cautiously entered the gold market, contrary to expectations of aggressive investment, reflecting a prudent approach amid market volatility [1][3][5] - The pilot program for insurance funds to invest in gold has been operational for a year, with ten insurance companies approved, but only six have completed membership with the Shanghai Gold Exchange [1][2][3] Group 1: Pilot Program Overview - The pilot program was officially launched on February 7, 2025, allowing ten insurance companies, including major players like China Life and PICC, to invest in gold [2][4] - By March 2025, several insurance companies completed their first transactions, indicating initial engagement with the gold market [2][3] Group 2: Investment Strategy and Caution - Despite the theoretical investment limit of nearly 200 billion yuan, actual investments remain low, with many companies still in a trial phase [3][5] - The cautious approach is attributed to the volatile nature of gold prices and the lack of experience among insurance companies in gold investment [5][7] Group 3: Challenges and Professional Barriers - Insurance companies face challenges due to the complex nature of gold as an asset, which requires sophisticated analysis and risk management capabilities [5][6] - Regulatory requirements mandate that insurance companies maintain strict internal controls and reporting mechanisms, adding to the operational complexity [6] Group 4: Long-term Perspectives - Long-term, gold is being recognized for its strategic value in diversifying portfolios and mitigating risks, especially in uncertain market conditions [7][8] - The shift towards gold investment is seen as a response to the limitations of traditional fixed-income assets, prompting insurance companies to explore new avenues for asset growth [7][9]