Core Viewpoint - Gold has been one of the best-performing assets this year, with a year-to-date increase of over 24%, despite a recent period of sideways movement. However, high gold prices have significantly reduced consumer purchasing power for gold jewelry, leading to a 28% year-on-year decline in gold jewelry consumption in China during the first half of the year [1][2]. Industry Summary - The total demand for retail gold investment and consumption in the first half of the year reached 518 tons, a year-on-year increase of 5%, with a monetary value of 371.8 billion yuan, marking the highest level on record. However, gold jewelry consumption dropped to 194 tons, a decrease of 28% year-on-year, while retail investment demand rose to 239 tons, up 26% year-on-year [3]. - Major jewelry brands like Chow Tai Fook and Lao Feng Xiang are accelerating their transformation efforts in response to weak gold jewelry consumption. This includes product innovation, channel optimization, and focusing on high-value products to seek breakthroughs [1][6][9]. - Chow Tai Fook reported a 3.3% decline in retail value in mainland China for the three months from April to June, with a reduction of 311 retail stores by the end of June. Similarly, Lao Feng Xiang and other brands have also seen a decrease in the number of stores [4][6]. - The gold jewelry industry is expected to continue consolidating, which may further suppress upstream demand. However, this trend could lead to a healthier market in the long run by eliminating underperforming stores and shifting focus towards the emotional value and design of jewelry [5][11]. - Despite the overall decline in gold jewelry consumption, Lao Pu Gold has shown significant growth, with expected revenue of 12 to 12.5 billion yuan in the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 241% to 255% [6][7]. - Jewelry brands are adapting to changing consumer preferences by enhancing product design and focusing on cultural elements. For instance, Lao Feng Xiang is closely monitoring consumer habits and preferences to drive innovation and develop original design products [9][10]. - Chow Tai Fook has also seen positive results from its initiatives, with a 20.8% year-on-year increase in retail value for its gold products, and a shift in the retail value composition towards higher-priced products [10]. - Looking ahead, the gold jewelry industry may continue to face challenges from low consumer confidence and high gold prices, but seasonal improvements and potential monetary or fiscal policy support could provide some relief [11].