Workflow
亚洲家办加码黄金
阿尔法工场研究院·2025-08-13 00:05

Core Viewpoint - In the ultra-high-net-worth investment sector, there is a shift from passive gold holdings to active participation in physical gold trading among wealthy families in Asia, driven by rising gold prices and a desire for more direct involvement in the market [2][3][4]. Group 1: Investment Strategies - Some family offices are bypassing intermediaries and engaging directly in gold trading, providing financing, transportation, and resale services [3]. - Cavendish Investment Corp has allocated about one-third of its investment portfolio to physical gold trading, moving beyond traditional index-tracking funds [3]. - Wealthy families are exploring gold leasing, earning returns of 3% to 4% by lending their physical gold to local jewelers [7][10]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Gold demand has surged due to geopolitical tensions, inflation, and central bank policy missteps, with gold prices rising nearly 30% this year [4][5]. - A survey by HSBC indicates that the allocation of gold among wealthy investors in Hong Kong has more than doubled within a year, while mainland China's allocation increased from 7% to 15% [4]. - The current market is characterized as a seller's market, with expectations of continued price increases, as indicated by forecasts from Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs [8][14]. Group 3: Regional Insights - Asian families have a deeper cultural understanding of gold, viewing it as a business opportunity rather than just an investment [7]. - The Hong Kong gold market is supported by mainland China, with the establishment of an offshore gold vault to facilitate global transactions [9]. - Compliance issues exist, as only two refineries in Hong Kong are LBMA certified, which may complicate sourcing gold from regions like Kenya [9]. Group 4: Profitability and Risks - Cavendish and its partners can earn a premium of 5% to 10% on each round trip of gold transportation [15]. - There are concerns that the current gold price surge may not be sustainable, potentially affecting demand from price-sensitive buyers in major markets like China and India [13][14]. - The profitability of gold trading is attracting more participants, with expectations of increased competition in the market [16].