利空突袭！凌晨，史诗级暴跌！

Core Viewpoint - The precious metals market experienced a significant downturn, referred to as "Black Monday," with sharp declines in gold, silver, and palladium prices, driven by margin increases and profit-taking by traders [2][4][12]. Group 1: Market Performance - Precious metals saw a drastic drop, with COMEX gold futures falling 4.45% to $4,350.2 per ounce, COMEX silver futures plummeting 7.2% to $71.64 per ounce, and palladium dropping over 15% [4][7]. - The U.S. stock market also reflected this downturn, with major silver mining stocks like Harmony Gold and Pan American Silver dropping over 5% [7][9]. Group 2: Causes of Decline - The primary trigger for the price drop was the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's announcement to raise margin requirements for various metal contracts, aimed at addressing market volatility [9][12]. - A rumor regarding a major bank facing a margin call due to significant short positions in silver futures added to market anxiety, suggesting potential systemic risks [10][11]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - Analysts noted that the recent surge in silver prices, which had increased nearly 150% this year, was unsustainable, leading to profit-taking and subsequent price corrections [12][13]. - There is a divide among analysts regarding future silver prices, with some predicting a decline to around $42 per ounce by year-end, while others, like economist Peter Schiff, foresee prices potentially exceeding $100 per ounce [13][14].