Core Viewpoint - The precious metals market experienced extreme volatility at the end of 2025, with significant price drops in gold and silver, leading to a surge in consumer interest despite underlying risks [1][3]. Group 1: Market Volatility - On December 30, 2025, spot gold fell by 4.42%, dropping below $4,330, while domestic gold jewelry prices fell below 1,400 yuan per gram, with some brands like Chow Sang Sang dropping to 1,353 yuan per gram, a multi-month low [1]. - Silver prices saw a dramatic decline from a high of $83 to $75, with a volatility exceeding 10%, followed by a near 8% rebound the next day [1]. Group 2: Causes of Price Fluctuations - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) raised margin requirements twice within a week, causing silver futures margins to increase by 30%, which triggered mass liquidations among high-leverage speculators [3]. - The liquidity dried up before the New Year holiday, prompting institutions to take profits, leading to a sudden market downturn [3]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Despite the price collapse, consumer interest surged, with gold stores experiencing high foot traffic as prices for items like a 36-gram gold bracelet dropped by 1,500 yuan overnight [3]. - Some consumers expressed regret for not purchasing more gold when prices were lower, while others opted to wait for potential further declines before buying [3]. Group 4: Market Sentiment and Predictions - The bullish camp believes in three main pillars supporting gold prices: potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026, continuous gold purchases by global central banks for 13 months, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East [5]. - Conversely, the bearish camp warns that gold prices are currently 14% above the 200-day moving average, and a recovery in the economy or a shift in policy could lead to a price correction of up to 20% [5]. Group 5: Investment Strategies - Experts recommend that ordinary investors limit physical gold investments to no more than 10% of liquid assets, favoring bank gold bars with a low premium of only 3% [6]. - For silver, which has a volatility rate more than twice that of gold, it is advised to keep positions under 3% and avoid leverage [6]. - A phased profit-taking strategy using a "50/30/20" method with a stop-loss line of 5%-8% is suggested to mitigate emotional trading decisions [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of investor responsibility and the need for financial institutions to ensure proper risk disclosure and management in asset management products, marking a shift towards a "buyer beware, seller be diligent" approach in the investment landscape [11][12][13]. Summary by Sections Case Overview - A Mr. A invested 1 million yuan in an asset management product from B Securities Company, which was later liquidated, resulting in a return of only 650,000 yuan [2][3]. - Mr. A claimed that the sales personnel misled him regarding the product's stop-loss line, prompting him to seek compensation for additional losses of 250,000 yuan [3][4]. Mediation Process and Outcome - The mediator analyzed the case, noting that the product contract clearly stated that the stop-loss line does not guarantee the minimum principal, and multiple documents highlighted the risks involved [7]. - Communication records did not reveal any misleading statements from the sales personnel, leading the mediator to explain the true meaning of the stop-loss line to Mr. A [8]. - Ultimately, Mr. A could not provide evidence of misleading information, and the securities company fulfilled its obligation for investor suitability management, resulting in no agreement reached [8]. Implications and Recommendations - With the implementation of guidelines for asset management, financial institutions can no longer promise capital protection or guaranteed returns, indicating a new phase in the investment market [11]. - Investors are encouraged to enhance their risk recognition abilities and adopt a rational investment mindset, ensuring they thoroughly read contracts and understand product risks before investing [11]. - Securities companies are advised to improve investor suitability management, emphasizing risk disclosure and ensuring that critical information is clearly communicated to investors, especially for high-risk products [12].