Core Insights - International gold prices have surged, with New York gold futures reaching a record high of $4,392 per ounce recently, leading to changes in consumer buying habits globally [1] Group 1: India Gold Market - Indian consumers are shifting their gold purchasing habits due to soaring prices, opting for old-to-new exchanges instead of buying new gold jewelry during the Diwali festival [2][4] - The price of gold in India reached ₹12,700.8 per gram (approximately ¥1,029), marking an increase of over 60% compared to last year's Diwali prices [6] - Overall gold sales during the first day of Diwali in India decreased by 10% to 15% compared to last year, but total sales revenue increased significantly due to high prices [8] - Current gold demand in India has dropped by 40%, while silver demand has risen as consumers defer gold purchases [10] Group 2: South Korea Gold Market - In South Korea, investment demand for gold has surged, leading to depleted inventories in gold shops, with some stores completely sold out [12][13] - The high gold prices have prompted consumers to turn to silver, which is perceived as a more affordable investment, resulting in record high silver prices [19] - As of mid-October, silver prices reached ₩2,467 per gram (approximately ¥12), with a year-to-date increase of nearly 70%, surpassing the increase in gold prices [19]

Core Insights - The first day of the Diwali festival in India saw a significant decline in gold jewelry sales due to soaring gold prices, with consumers opting for coins and bars instead [2] - The demand for gold jewelry dropped nearly 30% compared to the same period last year, as reported by the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council [2] - Overall gold sales during the Diwali festival's first day decreased by 10% to 15% year-on-year, but total sales revenue increased significantly due to high gold prices [2] Industry Data - On the day before Diwali, the gold price reached 12,700.8 Indian Rupees per gram (approximately 1,029 RMB), marking an increase of over 60% compared to last year's Diwali gold price [2]

Core Viewpoint - China's foreign exchange reserves have increased, with the central bank continuously adding to its gold reserves for the 11th consecutive month [1][2][4]. Group 1: Foreign Exchange Reserves - As of September 2025, China's foreign exchange reserves reached $33,387 billion, an increase of $165 billion from the end of August, marking a 0.5% rise [1][2]. - The reserves have remained above the $3.2 trillion mark for 22 consecutive months [1][2]. - The increase in reserves is attributed to factors such as exchange rate adjustments and changes in asset prices [2][4]. Group 2: Gold Reserves - The central bank's gold reserves stood at 7,406 million ounces (approximately 2,303.523 tons) at the end of September, with a month-on-month increase of 40,000 ounces (about 1.24 tons) [2][4]. - The continuous increase in gold reserves reflects a broader trend among global central banks, with expectations of net purchases averaging 80 tons in 2025 and 70 tons in 2026 [4]. Group 3: Market Context - The rise in foreign exchange reserves and gold holdings occurs against a backdrop of fluctuating global financial asset prices and a stable economic environment in China [4]. - The gold price has surged recently, reaching historical highs due to factors such as anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and ongoing geopolitical tensions [5][6][9].

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent surge in gold prices, which have reached a historical high of $3,790.82 per ounce, driven by various factors including geopolitical uncertainty, monetary policy changes, and increased demand from central banks [1][2] - Geopolitical uncertainty has led to a rise in safe-haven demand for gold, as investors seek to protect their wealth during times of political and economic turmoil [1] - Expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have made gold more attractive, as lower interest rates decrease the returns on fixed-income products, prompting investors to shift towards gold [1][2] Group 2 - Central banks around the world have been increasing their gold reserves, further driving up demand and prices, as countries aim to hedge against dollar fluctuations and inflation risks [1][2] - A weaker US dollar has also contributed to the rise in gold prices, as it lowers the cost of gold for buyers using other currencies, especially in light of recent data indicating a sluggish US economy [2] - Despite the current high prices, economists predict a potential short-term correction, but Deutsche Bank forecasts that gold prices could reach $4,000 per ounce by 2026 if macroeconomic conditions remain unchanged [2]

Core Insights - The surge in gold prices signals an urgent need for the Federal Reserve to consider immediate interest rate cuts [1] Group 1 - Gold prices have experienced a significant increase, indicating market concerns regarding economic stability [1] - The rising gold prices are often viewed as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, prompting discussions about monetary policy adjustments [1] - Analysts suggest that the Federal Reserve's current stance may need to be reevaluated in light of these market movements [1]