Economic Developments - Significant progress has been made in high-level economic talks between the US and China, with both sides reaching important consensus [1][3] - The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed satisfaction with the productive nature of the negotiations, indicating that a detailed briefing would follow [3] - The US Trade Representative emphasized the constructive nature of the discussions, highlighting the need to address the substantial trade deficit [3] Market Reactions - Following the news of the trade talks, US stock futures surged, with the Dow Jones rising by 1%, S&P 500 by 1.2%, and Nasdaq by 1.5% [1] - The offshore Chinese yuan experienced a significant increase, rising nearly 200 points, while Asian markets opened positively across the board [1] Gold Market Dynamics - International gold prices opened lower, with a decline exceeding 1%, and prices dropping to below $3,260 per ounce [4] - COMEX gold futures also faced pressure, opening nearly 2% lower at $3,283.7 per ounce [5] - Domestic gold jewelry prices followed suit, with notable decreases in prices for major brands [6] Future Gold Price Predictions - Analysts predict short-term volatility in gold prices, but a long-term upward trend is expected, with Goldman Sachs forecasting prices to reach $3,700 per ounce by the end of 2025 and $4,000 by mid-2026 [9] - China's gold reserves have increased for six consecutive months, with a total of 7.377 million ounces reported at the end of April, reflecting a growing trend in central bank gold purchases globally [10] Regulatory Actions - Several banks have issued warnings against using credit cards for gold trading, citing risks associated with market volatility and regulatory compliance [12][13] - The banks emphasize that credit card funds should only be used for daily consumption and not for investment purposes, including gold [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of consumers using credit cards to purchase gold as a form of investment, highlighting the associated risks and recent bank regulations aimed at curbing this practice [2][12]. Group 1: Credit Card Usage for Gold Investment - Many consumers are leveraging credit cards to buy gold, especially during price surges, with some reporting purchases as high as 300,000 yuan [2][6]. - The practice of using credit cards for gold purchases is seen as a form of leveraging, which increases financial risk due to potential price volatility in the gold market [9][14]. - Banks like Industrial Bank and Jiangsu Bank have issued warnings prohibiting the use of credit cards for investment purposes, including gold [12][13]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - International gold prices have reached new highs, with prices exceeding 3,055 USD per ounce and domestic prices surpassing 710 yuan per gram, driving consumer interest in gold investment [4][13]. - Consumers are sharing experiences on social media about buying gold with credit cards, often with the intention of selling at a profit when prices rise [4][6]. - Some consumers view gold as a long-term investment, choosing to hold onto their purchases rather than sell immediately [6][9]. Group 3: Risks and Regulatory Responses - The article emphasizes the risks associated with using credit cards for gold purchases, including the potential for significant financial loss if gold prices decline [8][14]. - Regulatory bodies have previously established guidelines prohibiting the use of credit card funds for investments, which has not been effectively enforced in the past [12][13]. - Banks are implementing stricter monitoring and controls on credit card transactions related to gold purchases to mitigate risks [10][13].