Core Viewpoint - The postal and currency market, once thriving, is now in decline, with prices of stamps and commemorative coins frequently falling below their face value, indicating a significant loss of market vitality [1] Market Bubble - The postal and currency market experienced rapid expansion due to excessive speculation, with some individuals exploiting public psychology to inflate the prices of non-scarce stamps to exorbitant levels [4] - High-priced stamps and commemorative coins became attractive to short-term profit-seeking investors [5] - The bursting of this bubble led to a collapse in market confidence, causing many investors to exit the market, resulting in a sharp decline in demand and prices [6] Electronic Trading Issues - The introduction of electronic trading platforms aimed to enhance transaction efficiency but became a breeding ground for irregular practices, including price manipulation and false trading [7] - Regulatory efforts to clean up the market, while beneficial in the long run, have significantly reduced market activity and led to a sharp decline in capital inflow [8] - These irregularities have not only disrupted market order but also severely undermined investor confidence, exacerbating the market's decline [9] Competition from Emerging Investment Channels - The rise of stock markets, mutual funds, and real estate as preferred investment channels has marginalized the postal and currency market [10] - The stock market, despite its risks, offers a more transparent mechanism, while mutual funds attract many retail investors due to professional management [10] - The lack of regulatory oversight in the postal and currency market has exposed numerous issues, prompting investors to shift their funds to more mature and regulated markets [10] Shift in Consumer Preferences - A cultural shift, particularly among younger consumers favoring digital cultural products, has negatively impacted the postal and currency market [11] - Compared to digital music and video platforms, the traditional cultural value of the postal and currency market holds less appeal for the younger generation [12] - The preference for immediate and easily consumable cultural products has further narrowed the market's audience, leading to a continuous decline in the postal and currency market [12] Conclusion on Market Challenges - The decline of the postal and currency market is not an isolated incident but a result of multiple factors, including the aftermath of the bubble burst, excessive speculation, electronic trading irregularities, and competition from emerging investment channels [13] - For the postal and currency market to regain its former glory, it must undergo comprehensive reforms and innovations, focusing on increasing transparency, enhancing market regulation, and innovating products and trading models [13]