Core Viewpoint - The unexpected decline in gold prices following the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut highlights the complexities of market behavior, where textbook theories do not always apply [3][12]. Group 1: Market Reactions - The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4%-4.25%, which typically supports gold prices [3]. - Following the rate cut, international gold prices fell from over $3700 per ounce to around $3650 per ounce, while domestic gold futures also saw a significant drop [3]. - This phenomenon of "good news turning bad" is reminiscent of the "slow bull fast adjustment" pattern observed in the A-share market [3][4]. Group 2: Behavioral Insights - The market often exhibits counterintuitive behavior, as seen in past instances where gold prices rose after initial interest rate hikes [3][12]. - Retail investors frequently misinterpret market signals, leading to premature selling during corrections and chasing prices during rallies [4][8]. - The concept of "herding behavior" among retail investors can create opportunities for larger institutional players to offload positions [5]. Group 3: Long-term Trends - The long-term bullish outlook for gold is supported by significant data, including record central bank purchases of gold and a shift towards de-dollarization [12][13]. - Industrial demand for silver is also on the rise, particularly due to its applications in solar energy [12]. - The importance of quantitative analysis in understanding market dynamics is emphasized, as it helps investors navigate emotional traps and market noise [12][14].