Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-18 02:32Core Viewpoint - The international precious metals market is experiencing significant volatility, with gold prices under pressure due to high interest rate expectations and liquidity tightening, while silver has seen dramatic fluctuations, indicating a deep adjustment period in the market [1] Group 1: International Precious Metals Market Dynamics - On February 17, 2026, spot gold was reported at $5038.5 per ounce, having dipped to $4910 during trading, with bearish sentiment dominating as indicated by technical indicators [1] - Spot silver increased by 2.55% to $77.11 per ounce after a sharp decline, having previously reached a historical high of $121.65 at the end of January, followed by a single-day drop exceeding 36% [1] - The gold-silver ratio compressed to 47-49, significantly below the normal range of 50-80, indicating a potential for corrective pressure on silver prices [1] Group 2: Domestic Retail Gold Prices - Domestic retail prices for gold jewelry show significant differentiation, with wholesale prices in Shenzhen's Shui Bei at 1300 RMB per gram, the lowest in the country, while brand stores price gold between 1529 and 1548 RMB per gram [3] - The highest quoted brand is Lao Feng Xiang at 1548 RMB per gram, while other brands like Chow Tai Fook and Luk Fook Jewelry are priced at 1529 RMB per gram [3] - A comparison of consumer purchases shows a 37.5-gram gold piece priced at approximately 57375 RMB at China Gold, while the same weight at Shui Bei costs about 48750 RMB, highlighting the impact of brand premiums and processing costs on retail prices [3] Group 3: RMB Denominated Gold Market - Data from the Shanghai Gold Exchange indicates a general decline in RMB gold prices, with AuT D at 1108.50 RMB per gram, down 16.55 RMB, a decrease of 1.47% [4] - Au9999 fell to 1109.00 RMB per gram, while Au9995 dropped to 1080.05 RMB per gram, reflecting tightening liquidity and potential pricing anomalies [4] - The price of silver T D plummeted to 19270 RMB per kilogram, marking a 3.26% decline, indicating its high volatility [4] Group 4: Market Adjustments by Financial Institutions - In response to price volatility, several banks and gold stores are tightening their precious metals business, with announcements from China Gold and Cai Bai regarding the suspension of gold buybacks and implementation of daily limits [11] - Notably, banks like Industrial Bank and Postal Savings Bank have ceased personal gold trading services, reflecting a broader trend among at least 11 banks to restrict new positions and purchases [11] - These actions indicate heightened vigilance from regulators and financial institutions regarding market risks, particularly following significant drops in silver LOF funds [13] Group 5: Market Outlook - The current volatility in the precious metals market is primarily driven by speculative funds and the bursting of a price bubble, particularly in silver, which has seen inventory depletion leading to extreme market conditions [14] - Future price movements will depend on inflation data, Federal Reserve policy directions, and the recovery of market liquidity, with consumers advised to focus on wholesale market prices for practical insights [14]