Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley Private Bank forecasts that gold prices may rise to $6000-$6300 per ounce by the end of this year, driven by its role as a preferred diversification asset amid global fragmentation, geopolitical uncertainty, and inflation risks [1] Group 1: Factors Driving Gold Price Increase - The main drivers for the upward revision of gold price expectations include central bank purchases, macroeconomic uncertainty, and potentially increased retail participation [1] - The bank anticipates that central banks and investors will continue to increase their allocation to gold due to its risk diversification properties in response to various geopolitical, inflationary, and policy-related risks [1]

Group 1 - Tucker Carlson, former host of Fox News, reported that Trump plans to increase the U.S. military budget to $1.5 trillion for the fiscal year 2027, indicating potential preparations for a "world war" [1] - Following this announcement, defense and military stocks surged, with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin rising over 7%, and Raytheon Technologies increasing by more than 5% [1] - The Trump administration has conducted military strikes in various countries, including Yemen, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and Venezuela, highlighting a global military engagement strategy [1] Group 2 - Analysts suggest that Trump's actions may be aimed at diverting attention from domestic issues, especially with the upcoming congressional elections in November [2] - The U.S. defense budget is projected to exceed $1 trillion by the fiscal year 2026, reflecting a growing necessity for increased military spending amid global tensions [2] - The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, signed by Trump, amounts to $901 billion, marking a historical record for U.S. military spending, with allocations for military personnel salaries and the development of the Iron Dome missile defense system [2]