Core Viewpoint - The price of gold has reached historical highs, indicating a shift in its market status from a traditional safe-haven asset to a "credit hedge tool" [2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - In September 2025, spot gold in London surpassed $3,786 per ounce, while New York gold futures climbed to $3,818 per ounce, marking a significant milestone [2] - The total market capitalization of the gold sector reached 5.02 trillion yuan, with a single-day trading volume exceeding 6.4 million contracts on September 23 [2] - Central banks globally are expected to purchase over 1,000 tons of gold in 2025, with emerging markets like China and India increasing their holdings [2] Group 2: Price Drivers - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in 2025 has directly catalyzed the rise in gold prices, as lower real interest rates reduce the holding costs of gold [3] - Geopolitical tensions, such as the situation in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have heightened demand for gold as a safe haven, with historical data showing a 2.3% increase in gold prices for every 10-point rise in the geopolitical risk index [4] - The deterioration of the U.S. debt situation and the weaponization of the dollar have undermined global trust in the dollar, activating gold's "credit substitute" property and leading to structural buying from central banks [5] Group 3: Future Price Projections - Short-term forecasts suggest gold prices may reach $4,000 within 1-2 years, supported by central bank purchases even if the Fed delays further rate cuts [6] - In the medium term (3-5 years), if a BRICS currency system materializes and U.S. dollar dominance weakens, gold prices could potentially exceed $5,000 [6] - Long-term trends indicate that the current upward momentum, which began in 2018, may continue for an extended period, with extreme scenarios suggesting gold prices could challenge even higher targets in the event of a global debt crisis [6]