Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment in international gold prices, following a significant rise, has sparked discussions among investors regarding the future of the gold market and its potential risks and opportunities [1] Group 1: Drivers of the Current Gold Bull Market - The current gold bull market, which began in 2018, has seen gold prices rise from under $1,800 per ounce to nearly $4,400 per ounce, an increase of over 150% [1] - The core drivers of this bull market are identified as the interplay of de-globalization, de-dollarization, and the normalization of geopolitical risks [2] - Long-term trends indicate that de-globalization has weakened the credit of the US dollar, while the demand for gold as a hard currency has increased due to its lack of sovereign credit backing [2] - Central banks globally are moving towards de-dollarization, with gold purchases exceeding 1,000 tons annually from 2022 to 2024, more than double the average of the previous decade [2] Group 2: Characteristics of the Current Gold Bull Market - The current bull market differs from historical ones in terms of support, pricing logic, and market nature [5] - The support for this bull market has shifted from market-driven investment to official allocations, with central bank purchases now accounting for 23% of total gold demand, up from 14.8% in 2018 [5] - The pricing logic has evolved from being driven by single factors to a multi-factor resonance, allowing gold prices to rise independently of traditional influences like the dollar's strength or bond yields [5][6] - The nature of the market has transitioned from being event-driven to trend-driven, suggesting a more sustained upward trajectory rather than rapid fluctuations [6] Group 3: Gold's Unique Value Proposition - In a highly uncertain investment environment, gold's unique value lies in its role as a currency credit hedge, asset volatility buffer, and its long-term appreciation potential due to its scarcity [7] - Gold is not tied to any sovereign credit, making it a safe haven during times of economic distress, unlike stocks and bonds which are influenced by economic fundamentals [7] - The supply-demand dynamics for gold are characterized by rigid supply growth of only 1% to 2% annually, while central bank purchases continue to create a growing demand gap [7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent adjustment in international gold prices, following a significant rise, has sparked discussions among investors regarding the future of the gold market and its potential risks and opportunities [1] Group 1: Drivers of the Current Gold Bull Market - The current gold bull market, which began in 2018, has seen gold prices rise from under $1,800 per ounce to nearly $4,400 per ounce, an increase of over 150% [1] - The core drivers of this bull market are identified as the interplay of de-globalization, de-dollarization, and the normalization of geopolitical risks [2] - Long-term trends indicate that de-globalization has weakened the credit of the dollar, while the demand for gold as a hard currency has increased due to its lack of sovereign credit backing [2] - Central banks have significantly increased their gold purchases, with annual purchases exceeding 1,000 tons from 2022 to 2024, more than double the average of the previous decade [2] Group 2: Characteristics of the Current Gold Bull Market - The current bull market differs from historical ones in terms of support, pricing logic, and market nature [5] - The support for this bull market has shifted from market-driven investment to official allocations, with central bank purchases now accounting for 23% of total gold demand, up from 14.8% in 2018 [5] - The pricing logic has evolved from being driven by single factors to a multi-factor resonance, allowing gold prices to rise independently of traditional influences like the dollar's strength or bond yields [5][6] - The nature of the market has transitioned from being event-driven to trend-driven, suggesting a more sustained upward trajectory rather than rapid fluctuations [6] Group 3: Gold's Unique Value Proposition - In a highly uncertain investment environment, gold's unique value lies in its role as a hedge against currency credit risks, unlike stocks and bonds that are tied to economic fundamentals [7] - Gold serves as a volatility buffer in asset portfolios, with its correlation to risk assets decreasing over time, providing stability during economic downturns [7] - The scarcity of gold, with global production growth at only 1% to 2% annually, combined with rising central bank demand, creates a long-term value proposition that is unmatched by other assets [7] Group 4: Future Outlook and Investment Strategies - The gold market is expected to maintain a "long-term slow bull, with periodic fluctuations" over the next 3 to 5 years, driven by the reconstruction of currency credit [8] - Investors are advised to adopt a long-term perspective, viewing gold as an asset insurance rather than a quick profit tool, and to adjust their investment tools based on their risk tolerance [9] - For conservative investors, a 15% to 20% allocation of household assets to gold is recommended, while more aggressive investors should carefully manage their positions in futures or gold stocks to mitigate risks [9]

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in gold stocks contrasts with a slight decline in international gold prices, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics where gold is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset rather than just a commodity [1][4][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - On October 9, several gold stocks, including Western Gold and Sichuan Gold, hit the daily limit, while gold ETFs also saw significant gains, reflecting a surge in market sentiment [1]. - Despite the rise in gold stocks, COMEX gold futures showed a slight decline, suggesting a divergence between stock performance and gold prices, raising questions about the sustainability of this trend [1][4]. - The shift in perception of gold from a commodity to a quasi-currency asset is driven by macroeconomic factors, including U.S. fiscal policies and the ongoing re-evaluation of dollar asset safety [4][5]. Group 2: Institutional Actions - China National Gold's recent share buyback, amounting to approximately 19.45 million yuan, is seen as a strong endorsement of the long-term value of the gold industry [2]. - The People's Bank of China has continued to increase its gold reserves, reaching 7.406 million ounces (approximately 2299 tons) as of September 2025, indicating a strategic commitment to gold accumulation [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Analysts suggest that the current high volatility in gold stocks may lead to a rapid withdrawal of funds if macroeconomic conditions stabilize, such as a slowdown in Federal Reserve rate cuts or easing geopolitical tensions [6][7]. - The long-term outlook for gold remains positive, supported by ongoing central bank purchases, geopolitical uncertainties, and a potential shift in the global monetary system [6][7]. - Investors are encouraged to reassess the value of gold in the context of its evolving role as a strategic asset amid a changing economic landscape [7].

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in silver prices is attributed to a combination of macroeconomic conditions, fundamental supply-demand dynamics, and increased investment interest, with silver outperforming many commodities in the past six months [1][2][3]. Macroeconomic Factors - The Federal Reserve's initiation of a mild interest rate cut cycle has reduced the opportunity cost of holding silver, a non-yielding asset, as inflation declines and real interest rates continue to fall [2][4]. - A weakening U.S. dollar has provided additional support for silver prices [2][4]. - The correlation between gold and silver prices has been significant, with gold prices stabilizing at historical highs, thereby supporting silver prices [2][4]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Industrial demand for silver remains robust, particularly from sectors such as photovoltaics, electric grid upgrades, and automotive electronics [3][4]. - Despite the push for "silver reduction" in the photovoltaic industry, overall industrial demand for silver is expected to remain high due to continued growth in new installations [3][4]. - The silver market has seen a persistent supply gap, with strong industrial demand further driving price increases [2][3]. Investment Trends - Silver ETFs have experienced significant inflows, with over 95 million ounces net added in the first half of the year, surpassing the total for the previous year [3]. - The investment demand in markets like India has accelerated, contributing to the upward pressure on silver prices [3][4]. Price Outlook - Short-term silver prices are likely to be influenced by macroeconomic conditions and gold price movements, with expectations of continued strong performance if the Fed maintains its easing stance [4][5]. - The silver market is projected to remain in a supply-demand deficit, although the gap may decrease from 2024's high levels to around 4,000 tons by 2025 [4]. - There is potential for silver prices to challenge the historical high of $50 per ounce within the year, although risks of short-term corrections exist due to fluctuations in manufacturing growth and trade tensions [4][5].