The bull market in gold ratcheted into a higher gear on Wednesday, with the yellow metal soaring 6% to above $5,400 per ounce for the first time. Silver and platinum posted even larger percentage gains, but gold, with a market capitalization somewhere in the $40 trillion area, was surely the standout asset. A sizable chunk of gold's gains came following comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell at a press conference following the central bank’s universally expected decision to hold its benchm ...

Core Viewpoint - The non-ferrous metal ETF (512400) has seen significant gains, driven by geopolitical risks and macroeconomic factors, leading to a bullish outlook for precious metals and industrial metals [1][2][3]. Non-Ferrous Metals Sector Overview - The non-ferrous metal ETF (512400) rose by 6.78%, with a trading volume of 3.385 billion yuan, reflecting strong investor interest [1]. - The ETF has experienced continuous net inflows over the past 17 days, indicating robust demand [2]. Precious Metals - Precious metals are entering a historic bull market due to multiple factors, including the sell-off of dollar assets, escalating geopolitical conflicts, and increased central bank gold purchases [3]. - Central banks, including the People's Bank of China, have been increasing gold reserves for 14 consecutive months, providing strong support for gold prices [3]. - Despite expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in the second half of 2026, current demand for safe-haven assets is dominating the market [3]. Industrial Metals - Industrial metals are facing seasonal inventory accumulation but are supported by extreme shortages at the mining level and low global inventories [3]. - Copper prices are resilient due to strong pre-holiday stocking by downstream industries, with a significant supply gap expected in the first half of the year [3]. - Aluminum prices are expected to rebound due to low global inventories and strong demand driven by investments in power grids and solar energy [3]. New Energy and Minor Metals - Strategic resource attributes of metals like lithium and cobalt are becoming more prominent due to geopolitical tensions [4]. - The Democratic Republic of Congo's submission of a list of strategic assets, including copper, cobalt, and lithium, underscores the importance of these resources [4]. - Although cobalt prices have slightly declined, the structural supply tightness remains, supporting a long-term bullish outlook [4]. Overall Sector Logic - The logic of the non-ferrous metals sector is shifting from a simple supply-demand dynamic to a focus on macroeconomic risks and strategic resource security [5]. - The index for non-ferrous metals reflects the performance of 50 listed companies in the sector, with major constituents including Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and China Aluminum [5].

Core Insights - By 2030, global ETF demand could exceed $500–$800 billion, creating upward pressure on Bitcoin prices due to a steady allocation cycle that absorbs supply regardless of short-term sentiment [1] - Bitcoin's long-term outlook is influenced by structural demand, shrinking supply, and its integration into institutional systems, with potential price targets ranging from $500K to $1M by the end of the decade [3][6] ETF Demand and Market Dynamics - Spot Bitcoin ETFs have significantly altered Bitcoin's demand profile, with US spot Bitcoin ETF assets peaking at $169 billion in October 2025 before settling at $120 billion by December [2][7] - Total crypto ETF assets globally are approaching $180 billion, indicating a growing institutional interest in Bitcoin [2] Price Trends and Market Behavior - Bitcoin's price has shown volatility, starting near $107,135 in June, peaking at $126,000 in October, and currently trading around $90,000, reflecting a 26.3% correction from the peak [5][7] - The current price range of $86K–$92K suggests consolidation rather than a collapse, providing a clearer base for future movements [4] Supply Dynamics and Halving Impact - The 2028 halving will reduce daily Bitcoin issuance to approximately 225 BTC, coinciding with increased ETF allocations and a scarcity of new Bitcoin entering the market [8][6] - Historical patterns indicate that price acceleration typically peaks 12–24 months after a halving, suggesting a potential breakout phase in 2029–2030 [8] Institutional Adoption and Market Integration - Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a macro hedge against unstable monetary conditions, gaining appeal as a neutral reserve asset amid rising global debt and currency pressures [9] - Corporate treasury and banking adoption are on the rise, with many publicly traded companies accumulating Bitcoin and banks using it as collateral, enhancing its utility [10][11] Future Price Projections - The bullish case for Bitcoin suggests a price range of $750K–$1M if institutional demand surges and ETF assets approach $2 trillion [23] - A base case scenario estimates Bitcoin could trade between $350K–$500K with steady demand growth and selective sovereign accumulation [25][26] - A bearish case projects a price range of $120K–$220K if structural demand weakens and regulatory setbacks occur [27][28]

Gold (GC=F) and crypto are performing very differently in the short term — but one firm says the two could thrive side by side in the years ahead. "There is room for both gold and Bitcoin to coexist on central bank balance sheets by 2030," Deutsche Bank analysts Marion Laboure and Camilla Siazon wrote in a recent note. That bullish outlook comes after bitcoin (BTC-USD) fell sharply on Monday, slipping below $113,000 after briefly topping $123,500 in August. Meanwhile, gold surged to a fresh all-time high ...