Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant rise in the gold market this year, with international gold prices increasing by 43.77% and COMEX gold by 36.73% as of September 24, 2025. Amid this "gold rush," Pop Mart, a toy giant, has entered the gold market by launching its "Baby Molly" gold series, attracting attention from young consumers [1][3][9]. Group 1: Market Overview - The international gold price reached $3,766.85 per ounce, marking a substantial increase in 2025 [1]. - The "Baby Molly" gold series includes products priced from 980 yuan to 56,800 yuan, showcasing a variety of gold items [1][3]. - The "pain gold" consumption trend, characterized by collaborations between gold brands and popular IPs, is gaining traction among young consumers [9][11]. Group 2: Product Details - The "Baby Molly" gold series features four main categories: gold ornaments, gold beans, beads, and pendants, appealing particularly to young girls who are fans of the Molly IP [3][9]. - The series has reportedly attracted a significant number of young customers, driven by the popularity of the Molly character, which has a strong fan base [9][11]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Pop Mart's revenue for the first half of 2025 reached 13.6 billion yuan, a 73.5% increase year-on-year, with the Molly IP ranking second among the top eight revenue-generating IPs [9][12]. - The company achieved a total revenue of 138.8 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 204.4% year-on-year growth, with adjusted net profit soaring by 362.8% to 47.1 billion yuan [12].

Core Insights - The gold market has experienced a significant surge in 2023, with COMEX gold and SHFE gold prices increasing by 43.77% and 36.73% respectively as of September 24, 2025 [1] - Pop Mart, a leading player in the trendy toy industry, has entered the gold market by launching the "Baby Molly" gold series, which has attracted attention from young consumers [1][2] Company Overview - Pop Mart's "Baby Molly" gold series features a variety of gold products priced from 980 yuan to 56,800 yuan, appealing particularly to young female consumers who are fans of the Molly IP [1][2] - The "Baby Molly" series is the only gold product line currently offered by Pop Mart, and it has gained popularity since its launch [1] Industry Trends - The term "pain gold" refers to gold products that incorporate popular anime IPs, appealing to young consumers who value both investment and personal interest [2][3] - The strong performance of the Molly IP has contributed to Pop Mart's revenue growth, with the IP generating 1.36 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025, a 73.5% increase year-on-year [2][3] - The pricing of "pain gold" products is typically 2 to 3 times the market price of regular gold, reflecting the added emotional value and brand appeal [3] Financial Performance - Pop Mart reported a revenue of 13.88 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a 204.4% increase year-on-year, with an adjusted net profit of 4.71 billion yuan, up 362.8% [3] - The company's performance in the gold market remains to be seen, as it transitions from the trendy toy sector [3]

Group 1 - Beijing Subway Line 18 has successfully completed various tests and has started empty trial operations, aiming to be ready for trial operation by the end of the year [3] - The line runs through Haidian and Changping districts, serving as a major east-west route in the northern part of the city [3] Group 2 - A new standard for school canteens in Beijing will be implemented on October 1, requiring immediate cessation of food sales if foreign objects are found [7] - The total number of school bus routes in Beijing has increased to 294, serving 117 schools and 17,800 students, with some routes now entering school campuses [9] Group 3 - The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services will take place from September 10 to 14, with over 20 consumer activities planned and a total of 3 million yuan in consumption vouchers to be distributed [11] - The WTT China Grand Slam 2025 ticket sales will begin on September 5, featuring top players in a major table tennis event [13] Group 4 - The rain season in North China this year has been the longest and most intense since 1961, with record rainfall and an early start and late end [14][16] - The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Beijing will permanently close on October 1, 2025, due to lease expiration and brand strategy adjustments [18] Group 5 - Recent rumors about mandatory social insurance for all citizens have been clarified as misinterpretations of legal guidelines, emphasizing that social insurance is a legal obligation for employers and employees [19] - Shopping malls in Beijing are renaming "mother-baby rooms" to "parenting rooms" and adding "father-baby rooms" to accommodate fathers [21] Group 6 - The rising popularity of "pain gold," a type of gold jewelry linked to anime culture, is attracting young consumers, with prices reaching up to 2,600 yuan per gram, although its long-term value may be uncertain [22][24]

Group 1: Market Trends - Gold prices have reached a historical high, with COMEX gold futures hitting $3,578.4 per ounce, marking a significant increase in demand among young consumers [2][9] - The rise of "pain gold" and "golden grains" has become popular among younger demographics, particularly those interested in anime and gaming collaborations [3][4] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are redefining gold as a "social currency," using it not only as an investment but also as a collectible item that can be showcased [2][4] - The pricing of these gold items is heavily influenced by the popularity of the associated IPs, leading to significant markups compared to traditional gold pricing [5][6] Group 3: Pricing Dynamics - The price of "pain gold" can be significantly higher than the market gold price, with some items priced at 3.5 times the current gold rate [4][5] - Limited edition releases and marketing strategies have created a scarcity effect, driving up prices in the secondary market [8] Group 4: Investment Outlook - Analysts predict that gold prices may continue to rise due to factors such as central bank purchases and economic uncertainties, with forecasts suggesting prices could reach $3,765 per ounce by the end of 2025 [10][11]

Core Insights - The emerging concept of "Pain Gold" has gained significant traction among young consumers, combining anime and gaming IP with gold jewelry, creating a new market phenomenon [2][4] - "Pain Gold" disrupts traditional gold pricing logic, where the value is now determined by the scarcity and popularity of the IP rather than just weight and international gold prices [4][6] - The World Gold Council's report indicates a substantial shift in consumer behavior, with gold jewelry ownership among the 18-24 age group rising from 37% in 2019 to an expected 62% by 2025 [4] Market Dynamics - The sales of IP gold products have surged, with a reported 294% year-on-year growth in transactions on e-commerce platforms, and specific collaborations achieving over 100,000 units sold in six months [2][4] - The pricing of "Pain Gold" often exceeds 2,000 RMB per gram, significantly higher than the typical gold price of around 1,000 RMB per gram, reflecting the added value of IP licensing and design costs [6] Consumer Behavior - "Pain Gold" aligns with the Z generation's demand for personalized and emotional consumption, serving as a social currency that conveys identity and interests [5] - The intrinsic value of gold provides a safety net for consumers, making "Pain Gold" a more stable choice compared to other collectibles with high price volatility [5] Challenges and Risks - The high premium associated with "Pain Gold" raises concerns about its long-term value retention, especially as the popularity of specific IPs can fluctuate [6] - The market is witnessing a polarization in the resale value of "Pain Gold," with limited editions seeing price increases while regular items face depreciation [6] Future Outlook - UBS has raised its gold price forecast for 2026 to 3,700 USD per ounce, suggesting that high gold prices may become the norm [7] - Brands need to effectively communicate the narrative behind their IPs to sustain consumer interest and repeat purchases, while consumers should approach "Pain Gold" with a clear understanding of its emotional versus investment value [7]

Core Insights - "Pain Gold" is gaining popularity among young consumers, with prices reaching up to 2800 yuan per gram, significantly higher than the daily gold price [1][3] - The demand for "Pain Gold" products, which incorporate anime elements, is driving a surge in sales for various gold jewelry brands despite an overall weak gold consumption market [5] Group 1: Market Trends - Several "Pain Gold" products have been sold at 2-3 times the daily gold price since 2025, leading to a supply shortage [1] - A notable example includes a collaboration between Lao Miao Gold and the IP "Tian Guan Ci Fu," with a complete set selling for approximately 16,600 yuan, translating to about 1509 yuan per gram [3] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are increasingly purchasing "Pain Gold" not just for investment but also for emotional connection to their favorite IPs, indicating a shift in consumer sentiment towards gold products [5] - The emotional and social currency associated with these products encourages young consumers to pay a premium, as seen in the rapid sell-out of collaborations with popular franchises like "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Saint Seiya" [5]

Group 1 - The term "pain gold" is gaining popularity among young consumers, with prices reaching up to 2800 yuan per gram, nearly three times the daily gold price since 2025 [1] - "Pain gold" products, which incorporate anime elements, are becoming a growth point for several gold jewelry brands amid an overall weak gold consumption environment [1][5] - A collaboration between Lao Feng Xiang and Bandai Namco released a pure gold series priced at 80,000 yuan, which sold out quickly, indicating strong demand for these themed gold products [5] Group 2 - A gold product set from Lao Miao, in collaboration with "Tian Guan Ci Fu," was listed on a second-hand platform for 16,600 yuan, with an estimated price of 1509 yuan per gram based on its weight of approximately 11 grams [3] - The popularity of these products is reflected in social media engagement, with related posts receiving over 70,000 likes [1] - The collaboration between Chow Tai Fook and "Gigi Kawa" resulted in a gold pendant priced at 2800 yuan per gram, which is 2.76 times the daily gold price, and it quickly sold out in physical stores [5]

Group 1 - International gold prices have recently dropped to their lowest level in over two weeks, yet certain gold products, particularly "pain gold," are being sold at significantly higher prices, with some reaching 2800 yuan per gram, which is 2.76 times the current gold price [1][7]. - The "pain gold" trend has gained popularity among young consumers, driven by the "pain culture" originating from ACG (Animation, Comics, Games) enthusiasts, who are willing to pay a premium for gold items associated with their favorite IPs [2][8]. - Sales of IP-related gold products have surged, with a reported year-on-year increase of 294% in transactions within the past year, indicating a growing market segment for these items [8]. Group 2 - The "pain gold" phenomenon is characterized by emotional consumption and cultural expression, appealing particularly to younger demographics, although traditional gold jewelry remains the dominant category in the overall gold market [11]. - Experts caution that while "pain gold" has seen rapid growth, its high premiums and volatility may prevent it from becoming a mainstream category in the gold market [11][12]. - The long-term collectible value of IP-linked gold jewelry is still uncertain, as the market is in its early stages, and previous high-demand items have sometimes returned to original prices after initial hype [13].

Core Insights - The trend of "pain gold" is gaining popularity among young consumers, with prices for certain gold products being driven up to nearly double the daily gold price since 2025, leading to a supply shortage [1] - The rise of "pain gold" is attributed to its emotional connection and social currency among young people, who are willing to pay a premium for items linked to their favorite IPs [8] Group 1: Market Trends - The "pain gold" concept, originating from Japanese otaku culture, involves adding anime elements to items, making it a form of expression for fans [7] - The browsing volume for the hashtag 痛金 on Xiaohongshu has surpassed 2.25 million, indicating significant interest [7] - In the past year, transactions for IP gold products on Taobao have increased by 294%, prompting the platform to create a dedicated category for "IP gold" [7] Group 2: Product Pricing and Demand - A gold note product originally priced at 899 yuan per gram is now being resold for nearly 1,600 yuan on second-hand platforms, reflecting a significant markup [3] - A gold jewelry set in collaboration with "Tian Guan Ci Fu" is being sold for 16,600 yuan on second-hand platforms, with an estimated price of 1,509 yuan per gram [3] - The collaboration between Lao Feng Xiang and Bandai Namco for a gold series priced at 80,000 yuan sold out quickly, demonstrating strong demand [7] Group 3: Investment Potential - Some collectors have reported significant appreciation in the value of "pain gold," with one collector noting a potential increase of over 120,000 yuan in value [7] - A limited edition gold collectible from Lao Feng Xiang originally priced at 880,000 yuan is now valued at over 1 million yuan, highlighting the investment potential of these items [7] - The price of gold has risen by approximately 25% since April 2025, further enhancing the value of these collectibles [8]

Core Insights - The trend of "pain gold" is gaining popularity among young consumers, with prices reaching up to 2800 yuan per gram, significantly higher than the current gold price [1][5] - Several gold products linked to popular anime and gaming IPs are being sold at prices 2-3 times higher than their original value, indicating a strong demand and supply shortage [1][3] Industry Trends - The "pain gold" concept combines gold with anime elements, appealing to young consumers as a form of emotional expression and investment [3][6] - In August, a gold note originally priced at 899 yuan was resold for nearly 1600 yuan on second-hand platforms, showing a price increase of almost 78% [3] - Collaborations between gold brands and popular IPs, such as "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Saint Seiya," have resulted in rapid sell-outs, indicating a successful marketing strategy [4][6] Market Dynamics - The overall gold consumption market is experiencing weakness, yet "pain gold" products are emerging as growth points for several gold brands [3][6] - The emotional connection and social currency associated with these products encourage young consumers to pay a premium, despite the risk of price corrections in the secondary market [6]