Core Viewpoint - The surge in gold prices is driven by geopolitical tensions, central bank purchases, technological demand, and the weakening of the US dollar [19] Price Dynamics - As of July 21, international gold prices rose over 1.5% in a single day, surpassing $3,400 per ounce, reaching a peak of $3,416.9, marking a five-week high [1] - COMEX gold futures also increased to $3,412 per ounce, while domestic gold futures reached 781.5 yuan per gram [1] Key Drivers - **Geopolitical Risks**: Tensions in the Middle East and escalating trade wars between the US and Europe have triggered panic buying in the market [2] - **Central Bank Strategies**: Global central banks have net purchased 1,000 tons of gold over three years, with China increasing its reserves to 7.39 million ounces (approximately 2,298.55 tons) [3] - **Dollar Weakness and Economic Risks**: Expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts and rising US debt have weakened the dollar's credibility, enhancing gold's appeal as a non-sovereign asset [5] - **Technological Demand**: The use of gold in brain-machine interfaces and nano-scale chip wires is expected to increase demand significantly in the coming years [6] Market Impact - **Mining Companies**: Gold mining companies are experiencing substantial profit increases, with Zhongrun Resources projecting a net profit increase of 161.9% to 191% [7] - **Consumer Behavior**: There is a divergence in consumer purchasing behavior, with increased sales in branded gold stores but a shift towards lower-priced markets due to high prices [8] Investment Behavior - **Leverage Traders**: Some high-leverage gold traders have faced significant losses, with daily losses reaching 470,000 yuan [10] - **Long-term Investors**: Long-term investors are buying gold ETFs, bolstered by central bank purchasing trends [11] Future Trends and Predictions - **Bullish View**: Central bank purchases, dollar depreciation, and inflation risks support a bullish outlook, with Goldman Sachs predicting a price of $3,700 by the end of 2025 [12] - **Cautious View**: Concerns about geopolitical premiums fading and technical resistance suggest a potential price correction to $2,700 by 2026, according to Citigroup [12] - **Tech-Driven View**: The explosion in demand for brain-machine interfaces and chips is expected to support high prices, with a predicted annual increase of over 1,000 tons [12] Key Resistance Levels - A resistance level between $3,400 and $3,500 is noted, with a potential breakout indicating a new upward trend [13]