Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the future trajectory of gold prices, questioning whether they will continue to rise or face a significant directional test by 2026, following a historic surge in prices [1]. Group 1: Gold Price Performance - Gold has been one of the best-performing assets over the past two years, with prices consistently reaching historical highs from 2024 to 2025, significantly outperforming most major asset classes [1]. - In the second half of 2025, gold prices briefly surpassed $4,200 per ounce before experiencing a phase of correction and fluctuating within a high range [1]. Group 2: Inflation Hedge Perspective - Traditionally viewed as an inflation hedge, the relationship between gold prices and inflation is more complex than commonly perceived, with academic studies indicating that this correlation is not stable [2][3]. - Research suggests that gold's hedging effect is more pronounced during extreme inflation or periods of currency credit deterioration [3]. Group 3: Long-term Price Trends - Since the 2010s, gold prices have remained above historical average levels, and the deviation from inflation indicators has approached historical extremes since 2022, indicating a potential reduction in the marginal space for significant price increases [5]. - The likelihood of price adjustments or fluctuations is increasing over time as gold's long-term purchasing power and historical valuation perspectives are considered [5]. Group 4: Safe-Haven Asset Dynamics - Gold's status as a safe-haven asset has been challenged, as it has shown weak or even negative correlation with U.S. equities historically, but this trend has weakened since late 2022, with both asset classes rising in tandem [6]. - Investors often use gold to hedge against macroeconomic and political uncertainties, but historical patterns suggest that simultaneous rises in risk and safe-haven assets are typically temporary [9]. Group 5: Interest Rates and Economic Policy Uncertainty - The traditional negative correlation between gold prices and real interest rates has become unstable, with recent years showing gold maintaining strength even amid high long-term U.S. Treasury yields [11]. - Economic policy uncertainty has been found to have a greater explanatory power for gold prices than geopolitical events, with significant fluctuations in the global economic policy uncertainty index correlating with gold price movements [13]. Group 6: Dollar Index Influence - The U.S. dollar index, as the basis for gold pricing, plays a crucial role, with a weakening dollar often amplifying gold price increases [15]. - A 10% to 20% phase adjustment in gold prices is not unlikely in the first half of 2026, especially if the U.S. political cycle does not enter a high-risk phase; however, this does not indicate a long-term bear market for gold [15].

Core Insights - The current excessive issuance of U.S. government bonds is impacting the global financial landscape, highlighting the advantages of gold as a credit asset, with gold prices nearing $3,800 per ounce [1] - The evolution of gold prices and its future trajectory are critical topics of discussion, as presented by Professor Sheng Songcheng at the "2025 Global Asset Management Center Evaluation Index Release and CLF50 Autumn Conference" [1] Group 1: Historical Context of Gold - Gold has historically been recognized for its unique attributes, including beauty, durability, and scarcity, which have established its significant value in the monetary system [4] - The transition from a gold-backed currency system to fiat currency has occurred in two key phases: the classical gold standard and the Bretton Woods system, which linked currencies to gold at a fixed rate [5][7] - The collapse of the Bretton Woods system marked the shift to a floating exchange rate system, where gold prices are determined by market supply and demand [5] Group 2: Current Market Dynamics - Gold's monetary attributes are weakening due to three evolving characteristics: the expansion of global money supply, increasing demand in various industries, and enhanced liquidity as a financial asset through instruments like ETFs [7] - Global gold investment demand rose from 991 tons in 2021 to 1,182 tons in 2024, with gold ETFs showing a significant recovery in demand [7][8] - Central banks, particularly in developing countries, are increasing their gold reserves, with China's reserves growing from approximately 64 million ounces in 2022 to about 74 million ounces currently [10] Group 3: Factors Driving Gold Prices - Geopolitical risks are enhancing gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, with historical instances showing that military conflicts often lead to increased inflation and higher gold prices [11][15] - The inverse relationship between the U.S. dollar index and gold prices is evident, with the dollar index declining from 108.6 in January to 98.2 in August, while gold prices increased by 23.9% during the same period [12][14] - The global low-interest-rate environment is shifting asset allocation towards gold, as traditional fixed-income assets become less attractive [16] Group 4: Future Outlook - The future trajectory of gold prices will largely depend on geopolitical developments and the sustainability of U.S. debt, with two potential scenarios outlined: stabilization or further escalation of tensions [25] - The current U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio has surged to 124%, necessitating significant interest payments, which raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and the potential impact on gold prices [22] - A recent survey indicated that 95% of central banks expect to increase their gold reserves in the next 12 months, reflecting a growing confidence in gold amid economic uncertainties [17]