暴跌是对杠杆的清洗，而非牛市的终结

Core Viewpoint - Precious metals are currently the focus of market trading, but increased volatility has made trading more challenging. The article aims to analyze the significant fluctuations in precious metals and the potential logical developments that may follow [3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The surge in prices began in early December, driven by factors such as the physical currency logic, the continuous weakening of the US dollar index, and heightened market expectations leading to a "short squeeze" logic [4]. - The decline in prices started on January 29, primarily triggered by the "Walsh trade," with the equity market's downturn exacerbating liquidity feedback, leading to a chain reaction of sell-offs across various asset classes [4][21]. - The current precious metals market is in a period of adjustment following significant volatility, with January's surge reflecting a prelude to the collapse of the US dollar's credit, while February's drop serves as a stress test for tightening liquidity expectations [5][43]. Group 2: Key Drivers of Price Movements - The price surge from December to January was fundamentally linked to the deterioration of US dollar credit, physical currency dynamics, and expectations of liquidity easing. The US dollar index fell from 100 to a low of 95.6 during this period [6]. - The logic of physical currency was driven by the decline in sovereign credit, with rising global bond yields due to inflation and default risks prompting a shift of funds into physical precious metals [7]. - The US federal government debt exceeded $38 trillion by the end of 2025, with a fiscal deficit rate expanding to 5.85%, indicating significant risks in the fiscal situation and leading to a depreciation of dollar credit [10]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Positioning - Following the volatility in early February, the precious metals market has shifted from speculative frenzy to a more rational state, with implied volatility significantly decreasing from historical highs [28]. - Non-commercial long positions have been significantly reduced, indicating a cleansing of speculative leverage that had accumulated above $100, leading to a healthier market structure [29]. - Silver prices found strong support at the 60-day moving average, indicating robust buying interest from industrial capital, while the US dollar index faced resistance at the 98 level, confirming its role as a mid-term top [32]. Group 4: Future Core Drivers - The future direction of the precious metals market will depend on whether the core logic of physical currency and dollar credit remains unchanged, with three main drivers to watch: the interplay between physical currency and dollar credit, liquidity logic and policy support, and the potential for a silver squeeze [33]. - Observing the 10-year US Treasury yield against the dollar index will be crucial, as a divergence could signal a re-evaluation of dollar credit risk [34]. - The liquidity logic is critical, with the reserve ratio of the Federal Reserve falling to around 11%, indicating potential liquidity risks that could prompt a shift in policy from tightening to easing [39].