Core Viewpoint - The precious metals market experienced significant volatility, with silver prices dropping sharply, while the A-share market saw a pullback despite a strong start, resulting in the Shanghai Composite Index achieving a nine-day winning streak [2][12]. Group 1: Silver Market Dynamics - On December 29, silver futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange fell over 2% at the close, with a high-to-low drop exceeding 12% [4][6]. - Spot silver prices briefly fell below $75 per ounce, with a decline of over 3% reported [7]. - Analysts attribute the drop in silver prices to profit-taking and progress in peace negotiations between Trump and Zelensky regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has temporarily pressured gold and silver [8]. Group 2: Silver and Gold Performance - Year-to-date, silver has surged by 181%, outperforming gold, driven by factors such as being recognized as a critical mineral by the U.S., tight supply, low inventories, and increased industrial and investment demand [8]. - Gold has also seen a significant increase of 72% this year, with multiple historical highs reached, influenced by expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts, geopolitical tensions, strong central bank demand, and rising ETF holdings [8]. - Analysts suggest that if the next Federal Reserve chair adopts a dovish policy, gold could potentially reach $5,000 per ounce by next year, while silver may aim for $100 per ounce by 2026 if interest rates drop and industrial demand remains strong [8]. Group 3: A-share Market Overview - On December 29, the Shanghai Composite Index closed slightly higher, achieving a nine-day winning streak with a gain of 0.04%, while the Shenzhen Component and ChiNext Index fell by 0.49% and 0.66%, respectively [12]. - A total of 1,995 stocks rose, with 87 hitting the daily limit, while 3,332 stocks declined [13]. Group 4: Sector Performance - The commercial aerospace sector continued to show strength, with stocks like China Satellite and Shenjian Co. hitting the daily limit [15]. - Robotics sector stocks remained active, with companies such as Awei New Materials and Buke Co. reaching their daily limit and achieving new highs [16]. - The carbon fiber sector also saw gains, with stocks like Heshun Technology and Jilin Chemical Fiber hitting the daily limit [18]. - Digital currency concept stocks surged, with Yuyin Co. and Cuiwei Co. reaching their daily limit following the announcement of a new digital RMB management framework by the People's Bank of China [20].