Core Insights - The global investment landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift, with traditional rules becoming less effective and uncertainty increasing significantly [1][4] - The Future Fund of Australia has raised its allocations to gold, actively managed stocks, and hedge funds in response to these changes [1][4] - Central banks are increasingly diversifying their reserves and increasing gold holdings as a strategic tool to hedge against geopolitical and financial risks [6] Group 1: Investment Strategies - The Future Fund aims for long-term returns exceeding 4% to 5% above the consumer price index (CPI) while managing risk at an acceptable level [4] - The fund's strategy includes reducing nominal government bond exposure, increasing inflation-linked bonds, and expanding allocations to commodities like gold to provide asymmetric protection against supply-driven inflation [4][5] - The report emphasizes that physical assets, particularly commodities, can provide strong hedging effects during periods of unexpected high inflation [5] Group 2: Gold Demand and Price Projections - Global gold demand increased by 1% year-on-year in the first ten months of the year, reaching 3,717 tons, with a value increase of 41% to $384 billion [1] - Goldman Sachs projects that gold prices could rise to $4,900 per ounce by the end of 2026, with current spot prices around $4,011 per ounce [2] - Central banks are expected to continue significant gold purchases, with a projected average monthly purchase of 80 tons from Q4 2025 to 2026 [6] Group 3: ETF Trends - Global physically-backed gold ETFs have seen net inflows for five consecutive months, with October's inflow reaching $8.2 billion, indicating strong annual performance [7] - As of the end of October, total assets under management (AUM) for global gold ETFs increased by 6% to $503 billion, with holdings rising to 3,893 tons [7] - Major financial institutions have raised their gold price forecasts, with Bank of America projecting a target price of $5,000 per ounce by 2026 [7]

Core Viewpoint - China's recent reduction of U.S. Treasury holdings reflects deeper economic strategies and considerations, with significant implications for both domestic and global financial markets [1][3]. Group 1: China's Reduction of U.S. Treasury Holdings - In August 2025, China reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings by $270 billion, bringing its total to $780 billion, the lowest level since 2009 [1]. - Since the peak of $1.32 trillion in 2013, China has cumulatively reduced its U.S. Treasury holdings by approximately $2.7 trillion, a decline of over 60% [1][3]. - Japan, the largest holder of U.S. Treasuries, also reduced its holdings by about $185 billion in 2025, raising speculation about a coordinated reduction between China and Japan [3]. Group 2: Reasons Behind the Reduction - Concerns over asset safety are paramount, as the U.S. federal debt surpassed $37 trillion in 2025, with a debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 130%, raising doubts about long-term repayment capabilities [3]. - The risk of U.S. dollar depreciation is significant, with the Federal Reserve having cut interest rates by 250 basis points since 2024, leading to a more than 10% decline in the dollar index over the past 18 months [3]. - There is an increasing demand for asset diversification, as China aims to optimize its foreign exchange reserve structure by increasing allocations to gold, euros, and yen [4]. - Yield considerations are also important, as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield was around 3.2% in October 2025, while yields on bonds from emerging markets could reach 6% [4]. Group 3: Impacts on China - Reducing reliance on U.S. Treasuries and increasing allocations to gold and other assets can enhance the overall return on foreign exchange reserves and mitigate risks associated with asset concentration [5]. - Funds from the reduction of U.S. Treasuries can be redirected to invest in other sovereign bonds, equity investments, or support domestic infrastructure and key industry development [5]. - There may be short-term adjustment costs, as large-scale reductions could lead to a decline in U.S. Treasury prices, affecting the market value of remaining holdings [7]. Group 4: Impacts on the U.S. - A decrease in Chinese purchases of U.S. Treasuries could lead to higher financing costs for the U.S. government due to reduced demand [7]. - The reduction may indirectly affect trade relations between China and the U.S., although the high degree of economic complementarity suggests limited impact [7]. - The market may interpret China's actions as a signal of concerns regarding the U.S. economy or debt sustainability, potentially affecting investor confidence [7]. Group 5: Global Financial Market Implications - Large-scale reductions by China could lead to volatility in U.S. Treasury prices, influencing global asset prices and potentially triggering a "run" effect if market expectations shift [8]. - The reduction reflects a trend towards diversification of global reserve currencies, potentially accelerating changes in the international monetary system [8]. - If other major holders follow China's lead, it could result in larger market fluctuations, which is why countries typically adjust their holdings gradually [8]. Group 6: Insights for Investors - The reduction indicates a shift in the global investment environment, suggesting that investors should consider diversifying their asset allocations to mitigate systemic risks [9]. - Strategic adjustments at the national level often precede market recognition, providing insights for investors, such as China's increased gold holdings as a recognition of its value as a safe asset [9]. - The complexity of financial market changes necessitates a comprehensive analysis of various factors rather than overemphasizing a single event [10]. Group 7: Future Trends - In the short term, a moderate reduction in U.S. Treasury holdings is likely to continue, as they remain a significant part of China's foreign exchange reserves [12]. - In the medium term, China may further diversify its foreign exchange reserve structure by increasing allocations to gold and bonds from developed countries [12]. - Long-term trends may see a decreased reliance on U.S. Treasuries as the international use of the renminbi expands, with its share in global payments rising to 3.2% in the first half of 2025 [14].

Core Insights - The source of uncertainty in asset returns is influenced by the trend of "de-globalization," which continues to affect economic fundamentals and is gradually incorporated into valuation assumptions [3][10] - Asset diversification is considered a "free lunch" in asset allocation, with its value derived from the correlation between different assets [4][17] - In the current uncertain environment, investment strategies should focus on anchoring growth through income-generating assets, leveraging to enhance returns, and recognizing the ongoing macro narrative surrounding gold [5][21][38] Source of Uncertainty in Asset Returns - The "de-globalization" trend has emerged and will continue to impact economic fundamentals, with the potential for structural risks and profit expectations in certain sectors [10] - The internal macro environment is facing risks of slowing economic growth and a transition in economic drivers, moving from a high-growth phase to a medium-low growth phase [12] - The changes in Sharpe ratios across different asset classes indicate varying performance and risk profiles, with a notable downward trend in bond yield spreads since 2011 [14][15] Asset Diversification - The essence of asset diversification lies in investing in different asset classes to reduce overall portfolio risk while balancing returns, with the underlying value stemming from asset correlations [18] - Historical performance data shows significant fluctuations in quarterly returns across different years, highlighting the importance of diversification in managing risk [18] Income-Generating Assets - Income-generating assets, such as bonds and high-dividend stocks, provide predictable cash flows, enhance liquidity, and can hedge against inflation, making them essential in a diversified portfolio [23][21] - High-dividend strategies focus on stable cash flows and valuation recovery, with companies in mature industries typically exhibiting a higher propensity for dividends [26][28] Leveraging for Growth - The core value of introducing leverage in a portfolio is to enhance expected returns while maintaining overall risk balance, particularly in a risk parity framework [34] - Leveraging can amplify returns from low-risk assets without disrupting the risk contribution structure of the overall portfolio [34] High-Quality Growth - High-quality growth is identified as a key driver for the new phase of economic growth, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and productivity improvements [35][37] - The focus on new quality production capabilities aims to enhance total factor productivity, with specific attention to sectors such as digital economy, high-end manufacturing, and renewable energy [36] Gold as a Strategic Asset - The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the questioning of the dollar's safety have led to increased global demand for gold as a risk diversification strategy [38][39] - Historical data indicates a significant rise in gold reserves among global economies since 2008, reflecting a shift away from dollar dependency [40]

Financial Performance - Tether International reported net profits exceeding $10 billion for the year, with expectations to reach $15 billion by the end of 2025 [1] - The company closed Q3 2025 with excess reserves of $6.8 billion, indicating a strong financial buffer above outstanding liabilities [6] US Treasury Holdings - Tether's total exposure to US Treasuries reached approximately $135 billion, making it the 17th-largest holder of US government debt globally [2] - The company issued over $17 billion in new USDT during Q3, increasing the circulating supply to over $174 billion [3] Market Position and User Base - By October 2025, the number of USDT tokens in circulation surpassed $183 billion, contributing to a stablecoin market cap exceeding $300 billion [4] - Tether's user base has expanded to over 500 million, driven by global demand for reliable stablecoins amid macroeconomic volatility [4] Reserve Strategy - Tether's reserves included $12.9 billion in gold and $9.9 billion in Bitcoin, accounting for around 13% of total reserves [5] - The company maintains a separation between proprietary investments in AI, energy, and communications and the reserves backing USDT [5] CEO Insights - Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized the results as a sign of continued trust and growth, with increasing investor interest in USDT for stability and liquidity [7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent sharp decline in gold prices has created tension among both consumers and investors, raising questions about the future of gold investments and purchasing decisions [1] Group 1: Market Trends - Gold jewelry prices have dropped below 1190 yuan per gram, with a decline of over 7% in domestic gold spot prices [1] - In just seven trading days, gold jewelry prices fell by more than 70 yuan per gram, from a peak of 1262 yuan per gram on October 20 to the current levels [2] - The current market is characterized by two main types of gold jewelry products: "weight gold + processing fee" and "fixed price" products, with the former being more sensitive to gold price fluctuations [2] Group 2: Investment Behavior - The gold spot price reached a peak of 1002.99 yuan per gram on October 17, then fell to 925.00 yuan per gram by October 28 [3] - There has been an increase in the number of investors purchasing physical gold, paper gold, and accumulating gold through banks, as well as interest in gold ETFs and new investment channels [3] - Young investors, including students as young as 20, are increasingly interested in gold investments due to lower entry barriers and perceived lower risks compared to stock and real estate markets [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - The international gold price is projected to be between 3970 and 3930 USD per ounce, with gold seen as a defensive asset amid ongoing trade tensions [5] - Financial institutions are advising investors, particularly inexperienced young ones, to view gold as a long-term hedging tool rather than a short-term speculative asset [5] - The current market environment allows for more diverse investment options, which helps mitigate risks associated with gold price volatility [4]

Core Viewpoint - Recent international gold prices have retreated from historical highs, with COMEX gold futures declining for three consecutive trading days, closing at $3968.10 per ounce, approximately 9% lower than the record high set in October. Despite this pullback, gold prices have maintained a 3% increase for the month and over 50% year-to-date, indicating both volatility and resilience in the gold market [1] Group 1: Market Analysis - Analysts note that the current price adjustment coincides with a monetary policy window from the Federal Reserve, suggesting that short-term fluctuations in gold prices should not overshadow its long-term support logic [1] - Sprott's senior partner Ryan McIntyre highlights that the restructuring of the global trust system and rising sovereign risks are creating structural support for gold, particularly due to the ongoing U.S. high deficit and federal debt issues, which may continue to drive demand for asset diversification [3] - Aakash Doshi, head of metal strategy at State Street Bank, identifies a potential technical support range for gold prices between $3600 and $3650, emphasizing that structural factors such as global fiscal debt burdens and central bank gold purchases remain intact [3] Group 2: Price Projections - Doshi's probability analysis suggests that the likelihood of gold prices surpassing $5000 is significantly higher than the chance of falling to $3000, providing a new perspective for market observation [3] - Historical data indicates that after the Federal Reserve's first rate cut since 2020 in September, gold experienced a brief fluctuation but subsequently rose by approximately 13% within a month, reaching a new historical high, demonstrating a multi-stage response of gold prices to monetary policy [3] Group 3: Asset Allocation - Professional institutions generally regard gold as a crucial component of investment portfolios, with risk management models indicating that the allocation of physical gold and gold ETFs typically ranges from 5% to 20% [4] - Market practices show that maintaining a stable allocation ratio through regular adjustments is a common method for institutional investors to manage risk exposure [4]

Core Insights - Asian ultra-wealthy investors are adjusting their investment strategies by significantly increasing allocations to Chinese stocks, fixed income products, and gold, aiming to capitalize on growth opportunities from artificial intelligence while hedging against market volatility and interest rate changes [1][7] Investment Trends - The total wealth of Asian ultra-wealthy individuals (net worth of at least $30 million) surged by 10% in the first half of the year, leading to increased interest in the rising Chinese stock market [1][6] - The Hong Kong benchmark Hang Seng Index has risen approximately 26% this year, while the CSI 300 Index in mainland China has climbed nearly 15% [2][6] Shift in Focus - There is a notable shift in investment focus from U.S. assets to Chinese assets, driven by high valuations of U.S. AI stocks and the phenomenon of "circular investment" among U.S. tech giants [2][4] - The proportion of stock trading concentrated in U.S. listed stocks has decreased from 65% last year to 45% this year, with an equal focus on Chinese stocks [4] Preference for Structured Products - Wealthy investors are increasingly favoring structured products, such as yield enhancement products, for stock allocation rather than direct equity purchases [5] Fixed Income and Gold Investments - As developed countries and Asia enter a rate-cutting cycle, interest in fixed income products among Asian investors has increased, with a shift towards global investment-grade bonds [7] - Gold investments are also on the rise, with prices exceeding $4,300 per ounce this year, marking a more than 60% increase [7][8] Cryptocurrency Sentiment - Despite Asia's leading position in cryptocurrency applications, there is a notable lack of interest among Asian ultra-wealthy individuals, with many viewing the high volatility and risk of digital assets as deterrents [9]

Core Insights - Central banks continue to buy gold despite record high prices, indicating a strategic shift in their perception of gold as a key reserve asset [1][3] - The global central bank gold purchases reflect concerns over geopolitical uncertainties and the reliability of fiat currencies like the US dollar [1][3] - The US remains the country with the largest gold reserves, with approximately 8,133 tons stored in various locations [2] Group 1: Central Bank Behavior - Central banks added 19 tons of gold reserves in August, following a decrease in July, showing ongoing interest in gold despite high prices [1] - The World Gold Council noted that the record gold prices may limit the pace of central bank purchases, but this does not indicate a waning interest in gold overall [1] - Countries like Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, and El Salvador have recently joined the ranks of gold buyers, with Poland being the largest buyer this year [3] Group 2: Strategic Reasons for Gold Accumulation - Central banks are increasing gold reserves to diversify assets and mitigate risks associated with the US dollar, particularly due to concerns over the US fiscal situation [3] - Nations such as Russia are converting part of their reserves into "sanction-resistant assets," while others are exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on the dollar [3] - The trend of increasing gold reserves is expected to continue, positioning central banks as significant players in the gold market for the foreseeable future [3]

Core Viewpoint - China has entered a low-interest-rate era since 2019, facing constraints on further policy rate cuts due to various factors, including bank net interest margin pressure and residents' savings demands. Despite these challenges, bond assets can still provide underlying returns, and the "fixed income +" strategy is expected to become a significant development direction for asset management institutions, aligning with investors' core demand for stable value growth [1][5][18]. Group 1: Japan's Low-Interest Rate Era and Bond Market Evolution - Japan's low-interest-rate era began in 1999 after a series of financial crises and asset price collapses, leading to a shift in asset allocation towards low-risk assets [2][5]. - The share of overseas bond investments in Japan increased from 33% to 54% between 1997 and 2003, indicating a trend towards globalization in asset management strategies [2][4]. - The introduction of J-REITs in Japan has provided a stable income source, with annualized returns fluctuating between 4.3% and 8.9% from 2013 to 2022, contributing to the growth of the asset management industry [4]. Group 2: Characteristics of China's Low-Interest Rate Era - Since 2019, China's policy interest rates have been on a downward trend, with the 10-year government bond yield dropping below 2.0% [5][6]. - The banking sector's total assets are projected to reach 276.1% of GDP by 2024, with interest income accounting for 77.6%, indicating a significant reliance on interest income [5]. - By the end of 2024, the number of bond funds in China reached 4,534, with a total scale of 23.07 trillion yuan, reflecting a 15.9% year-on-year growth [6][7]. Group 3: Performance of Bond Products - The total scale of money market funds increased by 20.7% in 2024, while short-term bond funds grew by 13%, indicating a strong preference for low-risk investments [6][7]. - The mid-to-long-term pure bond fund index rose by 4.59% in 2024, marking a historical high in returns [8]. - "Fixed income +" products faced redemption challenges in early 2024 but rebounded in the fourth quarter as the stock market recovered, with a projected growth of 13.77% in the first half of 2025 [6][8]. Group 4: "Fixed Income +" Strategy Pathways - The narrow definition of "fixed income +" focuses on equity assets as the core for enhancement, leveraging the dual return attributes of stocks and the supportive policies from the government [10][11]. - The broad definition of "fixed income +" emphasizes a multi-asset integration approach, incorporating commodities, alternative assets, and global diversification to enhance risk-return efficiency [13][14]. - The asset allocation strategy from 2019 to present has yielded an annualized return of 9.17%, demonstrating the effectiveness of diversified asset strategies compared to single assets [14][17]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The "fixed income +" strategy is expected to benefit from the stability of bond underlying returns and the effects of multi-asset enhancement, indicating a broad development space in the future [18].

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have surpassed $4,000 per ounce, marking a significant milestone in a three-year bull market, defying bearish predictions and traditional forecasting models [1] Part 01: Pandemic-Induced Turning Point - Gold prices initially surged past $2,000 per ounce due to market panic triggered by the pandemic, followed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which further fueled a 27% increase in gold prices in 2024 [1] - The return of Donald Trump to the White House in March 2025 contributed to gold breaking the $3,000 per ounce barrier [1] - Major macroeconomic factors, including a potential U.S. government shutdown and a weakening dollar, have supported the gold market [1] Part 02: Surpassing Inflation-Adjusted Historical Peaks - Last month, gold prices exceeded the inflation-adjusted historical peak of $850 per ounce set in January 1980 during a period of economic crisis in the U.S. [4] - The current market environment is seen as reminiscent of the conditions that led to the previous gold price surge [4] Part 03: Surpassing U.S. Treasury Status - Central banks have played a dominant role in the gold market, significantly increasing their gold purchases to diversify assets and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar [7] - Gold's current value has surpassed the amount of U.S. Treasury securities held by non-U.S. central banks, becoming the second-largest asset in central bank foreign exchange reserves [7] - The market value of gold held by the U.S. has exceeded $1 trillion, significantly outpacing the recorded amounts on its government balance sheet [7] Part 04: Temporary Pause in Chinese Demand - In the first four months of 2024, Chinese market demand was a key support for rising gold prices, driven by a new wave of demand for safe-haven assets [10] - Recently, despite record high gold prices, Chinese market prices have fallen below international benchmarks, indicating a shift in market dynamics towards Western investors [10] Part 05: Surge in Gold ETF Holdings - Gold ETFs have become a mainstream channel for Western investors to gain exposure to gold, with significant inflows pushing prices higher [13] - After a period of outflows, gold inflows into ETFs have reversed, with over 16 million ounces added since mid-2024, although current holdings remain below pandemic-era peaks [13] Additional Insights - The recent surge in gold prices reflects a structural shift in investor sentiment and global capital flows, driven by sanctions, asset seizures, and concerns over fiscal sustainability [15]