黄金供应商正干一单亏一单，有从业者直呼赚钱时代过去了

Core Viewpoint - The gold price surge does not equate to profits for all participants in the gold industry, with some intermediaries facing significant losses despite rising prices [1]. Group 1: Gold Price Trends - On January 29, gold prices reached a record high of nearly $5,600 per ounce, up from $2,800 per ounce a year ago, before settling around $5,050 per ounce [1]. - The stock prices of gold-related companies have surged, with Sichuan Gold's stock price increasing from 31 yuan to 66.86 yuan per share within ten days [1]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - Some gold processing companies are struggling, with intermediaries reporting losses on transactions, leading to a belief that the profitable era for the industry is over [1]. - Certain banks have temporarily suspended gold investment products due to rapid price fluctuations, which has inadvertently caused panic buying among consumers [3]. Group 3: Business Model and Operations - Many mid-tier gold companies operate on a "light asset" model, relying on orders to purchase raw materials, which exposes them to price volatility and potential losses [9]. - The pricing structure for gold products includes additional fees based on craftsmanship, which can make products less appealing as gold prices rise [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The gold market is seeing a shift where banks may move towards selling their own branded gold products, potentially sidelining smaller gold processing companies [6]. - The majority of gold sold through banks is pre-sold, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 15 working days, complicating the supply chain for smaller suppliers [6]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior and Investment Risks - The surge in gold prices has attracted many investors, but there are warnings about the risks associated with non-regulated investment channels, emphasizing the importance of using reputable financial institutions [11]. - The recent volatility in gold prices has led to a significant drop, with prices falling below $5,000 per ounce, which may provide some relief to struggling gold companies [12].