Group 1: Gold and Silver Price Movements - International precious metal futures saw a general increase, with spot gold rising by 1.12% to $3684.65 per ounce, marking an over 40% increase year-to-date [1] - Spot silver increased by 2.97% to $43.03 per ounce, reflecting similar upward trends in the market [1] - COMEX gold futures also rose by 1.12% to $3719.4 per ounce, with a year-to-date increase exceeding 40% [1] Group 2: Market Disruptions and Supplier Issues - A major gold supplier in Shenzhen, Guangdong, named Shenzhen Yuebiaoxin Precious Metals Co., Ltd., reportedly went missing, leading to significant financial losses for numerous merchants [4] - Merchants reported that they were unable to retrieve their gold and funds, with losses amounting to approximately 400 million yuan across around 400 victims [5] - The company, established in August 2023, was a significant intermediary in the gold supply chain, and its sudden closure has raised concerns about the stability of other suppliers in the market [5][6] Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Implications - The sudden disappearance of Yuebiaoxin may be linked to the "pre-order pricing" trading model, which has been criticized for its high leverage and potential for illegal operations [7] - Legal experts suggest that this model could be classified as a form of illegal trading or even fraud, as it allows for significant risk without adequate regulatory oversight [8][9] - The situation has prompted some victims to file reports with local law enforcement, indicating a potential rise in legal actions against the involved parties [5][6] Group 4: Future Market Outlook - Despite recent disruptions, foreign institutions remain bullish on gold prices, with predictions that prices could exceed $4000 to $5000 per ounce [12] - The ongoing economic uncertainties and potential for a global economic easing cycle may further drive investment into gold, reinforcing its status as a hedge against inflation [13]