Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant surge in gold prices, which have surpassed $4000 per ounce for the first time, driven by global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, with notable institutional interest in gold as a safe-haven asset [1][2][3]. Group 1: Gold Price Surge - On October 8, gold prices reached a historic high, breaking the $4000 per ounce mark, with a year-to-date increase of 53.6% [2][3]. - The surge in gold prices has led to a substantial rise in gold stocks in the Hong Kong market, with companies like Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining seeing an increase of over 17% [1][2]. Group 2: Catalysts for Gold Price Increase - The U.S. government shutdown has been identified as a direct catalyst for the recent rise in gold prices, causing delays in key economic data releases and increasing market uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve interest rate decisions [4][5]. - Political instability in France and Japan has further fueled concerns about fiscal risks, contributing to the demand for gold as a safe-haven asset [6]. Group 3: Institutional Interest and Predictions - Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, emphasized that gold is a safer investment compared to the U.S. dollar, suggesting a strategic allocation of approximately 15% of investment portfolios to gold [7]. - Goldman Sachs has raised its gold price forecast for December 2026 to $4900 per ounce, citing strong demand from institutional investors and central banks [7][8]. Group 4: Recommendations and Market Sentiment - Investment strategies are shifting towards increasing gold allocations to hedge against dollar risks, with suggestions to raise gold holdings to around 5% of investment portfolios [9]. - Analysts caution about potential short-term corrections in gold prices due to the rapid increase, indicating that profit-taking by speculators may occur [9].