Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing consumer interest in gold as a safe asset amid rising global uncertainties, highlighting a shift in buying behavior where consumers are more inclined to purchase gold even as prices rise. Group 1: External Environment - The global economic landscape is characterized by fluctuating tariffs and heightened geopolitical risks, leading to volatility in asset markets [4] - Gold, despite not yielding interest, is perceived as a stable asset that "will not go to zero," making it attractive during times of risk [4] - Investment banks are adjusting their outlooks, with some setting gold price targets as high as $6,000 per ounce, indicating a consensus on the importance of including gold in asset portfolios for risk management [4] Group 2: Domestic Consumer Behavior - During the Spring Festival, smaller gold bars (10 grams) were the most popular purchases, reflecting a preference for gradual buying and cost control in family asset allocation [4] - The trend towards smaller gold purchases suggests that gold is being viewed not only as a means of preserving value but also as a dual-purpose asset that combines aesthetics and investment [4] - The article posits that the fear of buying at high prices is less relevant than the risk of not having gold as a stabilizing asset in uncertain times, likening gold to a traditional insurance policy [4]

Group 1: Gold Market Analysis - The core viewpoint is that gold prices are experiencing a strong upward trend due to multiple uncertainties, particularly driven by U.S. President Trump's fluctuating tariff policies, which have heightened global trade uncertainties [1][6] - As of February 23, gold prices reached a new high of approximately 5250, with U.S. gold futures for April rising by 2.8% to settle at 5225.60 USD per ounce [1][6] - The current surge in gold prices is seen as a release of global uncertainty "premium," with various risk factors such as U.S.-Iran tensions and unclear Federal Reserve policies contributing to gold's appeal as a safe haven [1][6] Group 2: Gold Technical Analysis - The daily chart indicates that gold prices have rebounded after a dip, forming a bullish candlestick pattern, and the MACD indicator shows a potential upward trend [2][7] - The price has broken through the key resistance level of 5150, with the MACD maintaining a bullish crossover, suggesting a focus on support at the MA5 moving average and resistance around 5225 [2][7] - Short-term trading strategy recommends buying on dips and selling on rebounds, with key resistance levels identified between 5220-5250 and support levels between 5120-5090 [2][7] Group 3: Oil Market Analysis - The oil market is experiencing upward movement, with prices around 66.85 USD per barrel, driven primarily by escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran [3][8] - The U.S. government is considering military action against Iran, which has been warned to abandon uranium enrichment, creating a strong bullish signal for oil prices [3][8] - Traders are advised to monitor the outcomes of upcoming negotiations and any confirmations of military actions, as these could significantly impact oil price movements [3][8] Group 4: Oil Technical Analysis - The daily chart for oil indicates a potential formation of a rounded top, with prices currently near previous support levels but showing weak rebound strength [4][9] - The short-term trading strategy suggests buying on dips and selling on rebounds, with resistance levels identified between 68.0-69.0 and support levels between 65.5-64.5 [4][9]

Group 1 - The stock price of Royal Bank of Canada (RY.N) closed at $169.67 on February 12, 2026, down 1.90% with a trading volume of $101 million [1] - The stock experienced significant fluctuations over the past week, with a range from $174.16 on February 9 (up 2.21%) to a cumulative decline of 0.43% by February 12, resulting in a total volatility of 4.11% [1] - The overall banking sector in the U.S. declined by 1.32%, with the Dow Jones and Nasdaq indices falling by 1.06% and 1.72% respectively, indicating pressure on the industry [1] Group 2 - On February 12, 2026, the Bank of Canada released minutes from its monetary policy meeting, highlighting that U.S. policies (such as trade, diplomacy, and central bank independence disputes) have increased global uncertainty, complicating the assessment of future interest rate actions [2] - This statement may impact the liquidity environment and credit costs for Canadian banks, potentially exerting pressure on net interest margins and asset quality for financial institutions like Royal Bank of Canada [2]

Core Viewpoint - German lawmaker Strack-Zimmermann calls for the German federal government to repatriate its gold reserves stored in the United States, citing increased global uncertainty and unpredictable U.S. policies as reasons for the change [1]. Group 1 - Germany has over 1,200 tons of gold reserves stored at the Federal Reserve Bank in Manhattan, New York, valued at over 100 billion euros at current prices [4]. - Approximately 37% of Germany's gold reserves are currently held in New York, which Strack-Zimmermann argues is no longer a reasonable practice [1][4]. - About half of Germany's gold is stored in Frankfurt, while 13% is located in London [4].

Core Viewpoint - A German lawmaker has called for the repatriation of Germany's gold reserves stored in the United States, citing increasing global uncertainty and unpredictable U.S. policies as reasons for the move [1] Group 1: Gold Reserves - Germany currently holds approximately 37% of its gold reserves in the United States, specifically over 1,200 tons stored at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York [1] - The total value of these gold reserves is estimated to be over 100 billion euros at current prices [1] - About half of Germany's gold is stored in Frankfurt, while 13% is located in London [1]

Core Viewpoint - Bank Indonesia maintains the benchmark interest rate at 4.75% for the fourth consecutive month to support the Indonesian rupiah, which has recently hit a historical low due to ongoing fiscal concerns and worries about the central bank's independence [1][2]. Group 1 - The decision to keep the interest rate unchanged aligns with the expectations of 32 economists surveyed by Bloomberg [1]. - Bank Indonesia's Governor Perry Warjiyo highlighted that geopolitical turmoil and increased tariffs from the U.S. have exacerbated global uncertainty, leading to a stronger dollar and capital outflows from emerging markets [1]. - Following the announcement of the interest rate decision, the Indonesian rupiah recovered some of its losses against the U.S. dollar [2].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing transatlantic trade tensions are not expected to significantly impact the inflation outlook in Europe according to François Villeroy de Galhau, a member of the European Central Bank's governing council [1] Group 1 - Villeroy stated that the tariffs implemented so far have not had a major effect on European prices [1] - He mentioned that any potential new tariffs would likely have a "moderate" impact [1] - The direct inflation effects of additional tariffs may be limited, but the euro could appreciate, leading to opposite effects [1] Group 2 - Villeroy emphasized the need for the European Central Bank to remain flexible amid increasing global uncertainties [1]

Market Analysis - Gold prices surged significantly on December 18, 2025, driven by weak U.S. employment data, renewed expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and escalating geopolitical tensions. Spot gold prices reached a high of $4,348.70 per ounce and closed around $4,338 per ounce, marking an increase of nearly 1% [1][4] - Silver prices also broke the $66 mark, hitting a historical high of $66.88 per ounce, while platinum reached its highest level in over 17 years. The market is closely watching President Trump's national address and the delayed release of the U.S. November CPI data [1][4] - The future trajectory of the gold market is influenced by multiple evolving factors, reflecting not only short-term reactions to economic data and geopolitical events but also the increasing global uncertainty. Silver's strength may indicate further rotational trends, while gold remains a core safe-haven asset [1][4] Gold Technical Analysis - On Wednesday, gold traded between a high of $4,348 and a low of $4,315, with a prevailing bullish trend. However, it is noted that the current movement is a choppy upward trend, and caution is advised regarding potential market changes that could lead to deeper corrections. The recommendation is to maintain a bullish stance while also considering short positions at high levels [2][6] - The technical outlook suggests that gold is facing resistance at $4,350, and if it breaks above $4,355, it could target $4,385. Conversely, if it breaks below key support levels, it may revisit last week's low of $4,250. Key levels to watch include $4,355 resistance and $4,300, $4,280, and $4,250 support levels [2][6] Silver Technical Analysis - Silver opened with a slight decline before a strong rally, reaching a high of $66.88 and closing at approximately $66.22, forming a long upper shadow on a bullish candlestick. The trading strategy suggests buying on a pullback to $65 with a stop loss at $64.5, targeting $66.9, $67.5, and a range of $68 to $68.3 [3][7]

Core Viewpoint - The current spot gold price remains above $4,100, driven by signs of weakness in the U.S. labor market and the nearing end of the government shutdown [1] Group 1: Economic Indicators - Recent private sector data indicates that U.S. companies have averaged weekly layoffs of 11,250 over the four weeks ending in late October, reinforcing expectations for further interest rate cuts this year [1] - Analysts from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, including Soojin Kim, suggest that the reopening of the government is expected to restore access to official economic data, providing clarity for future monetary policy decisions [1] Group 2: Market Performance - The appeal of gold as a hedge against global uncertainty, along with central bank purchases, has supported a 56% increase in the price of this precious metal this year [1]

Core Insights - Recent spot gold prices have been rising, with market sentiment indicating a potential breakthrough of historical highs [1] - Factors such as global uncertainty, increased geopolitical risks, and adjustments in major central bank monetary policies have significantly enhanced the appeal of spot gold as a safe-haven asset [1] - Analysts note that fluctuations in the US dollar index, changes in US Treasury yields, and rising inflation expectations are providing strong support for spot gold prices [1]