Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of structured deposits linked to gold being offered by various banks in response to the soaring gold prices and low deposit interest rates, catering to risk-averse investors seeking higher returns [1][2]. Group 1: Gold Price Trends - In 2025, the international gold price experienced a significant bull market, rising from approximately $2646 per ounce at the beginning of the year to over $4367.8 per ounce by year-end, marking an annual increase of about 65% [1]. - The current domestic bank deposit rates are at a low, with some short-term rates starting at 0.65% for three-month deposits [2]. Group 2: Structured Deposit Products - Many banks have launched structured deposit products linked to gold, which offer a combination of principal protection and variable returns, appealing to risk-averse investors [2]. - For example, China Merchants Bank has introduced a series of "Point Gold" structured deposits with terms ranging from 7 to 181 days, offering expected annualized returns of 1%, 1.58%, or 1.78% based on gold price fluctuations [2]. - The Bank of Communications has also launched a series of structured deposits with annualized returns ranging from 0.5% to 3.2%, depending on the performance of the Shanghai Gold Exchange AU99.99 contract [3]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - The structured deposits are characterized by principal protection, but the returns are contingent on the performance of the linked gold prices, which may not guarantee the highest advertised returns [5][6]. - Investors are advised to thoroughly understand the product details and consult with bank financial professionals before purchasing, as the structured deposits may have complex terms and conditions [6].

Core Viewpoint - In 2025, international gold prices experienced a historic bull market, with London spot gold prices rising from approximately $2646 per ounce at the beginning of the year to over $4367.8 per ounce by year-end, marking an annual increase of about 65% [1][6]. Group 1: Market Trends - The current domestic bank deposit rates are at a low, with some short-term deposit rates starting with "0", such as the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China's 3-month deposit rate at 0.65% and large-denomination certificates of deposit at only 0.9% [2][7]. - In contrast, the gold market has been on the rise, prompting multiple banks to launch gold-linked structured deposit products to cater to risk-averse investors seeking higher returns [2][8]. Group 2: Structured Deposit Products - Banks like China Merchants Bank and Bank of Communications have introduced various gold-linked structured deposit products, offering features like "principal protection + floating returns" and flexible term options [2][8]. - For instance, China Merchants Bank's "Point Gold" series includes products with terms ranging from 7 to 181 days, with expected annualized returns of 1%, 1.58%, or 1.78% based on gold price fluctuations [2][8]. - Bank of Communications offers a series of structured deposits with annualized returns ranging from 0.5% to 3.2%, depending on the performance of the Shanghai Gold Exchange AU99.99 contract [2][8]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - While structured deposits are generally considered safe with principal protection, the potential for returns is tied to the performance of the underlying assets, such as gold prices [4][10]. - Analysts suggest that the first quarter of 2026 will see a peak in the maturity of higher-rate fixed deposits, making structured deposits an attractive option for banks to maintain funding stability [4][10]. - Investors are advised to thoroughly understand the terms and risks associated with structured deposits, as they cannot be withdrawn early and the highest advertised returns may not be guaranteed [5][11].