Core Viewpoint - The strong international gold prices and rising global risk aversion are driving the growth of banks' precious metals businesses, with significant year-on-year increases reported in the third-quarter financial results of listed banks. However, the recent fluctuations in gold prices present new challenges for these banking operations [1]. Group 1: Growth in Precious Metals Business - The precious metals business of banks has rapidly expanded due to the sustained rise in gold prices, with smaller banks showing particularly impressive growth. As of the end of September, Nanjing Bank's precious metals business reached 7.201 billion yuan, a staggering increase of 11,914.36% compared to the end of 2024. Hangzhou Bank's precious metals business grew to 1.217 billion yuan, up 1,523.57% from the end of 2024 [2]. - Joint-stock banks also experienced significant growth in their precious metals business. By the end of September, compared to the end of 2024, the precious metals business of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank increased by over 350%, while China CITIC Bank saw an increase of over 200%. Other banks like Zhejiang Commercial Bank, Industrial Bank, China Merchants Bank, and Minsheng Bank all reported growth exceeding 100% [2]. - Major banks maintained steady growth from a high base, with the precious metals business of Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of China all increasing by over 10% compared to the end of 2024 [2]. Group 2: Strategic Focus on Precious Metals - The precious metals business combines wealth management and increased intermediary income, potentially becoming a significant factor in banks' intermediary income. Precious metals, especially gold, are seen as irreplaceable in banks' wealth management offerings and are crucial for customer asset allocation [3]. - Analysts note that the demand for gold as a hedge and a store of value is rising among residents. Banks, as key channels for gold bar sales and coin distribution, are well-positioned to meet this demand through the continued popularity of online investment products like account gold and gold accumulation [3]. - The decline in gold jewelry consumption may lead banks to reduce reliance on traditional jewelry sales and instead focus on innovation and promotion of their precious metals business [3]. Group 3: Risk Management Amid Price Volatility - Despite the growth, the high volatility of precious metals, particularly gold and silver, poses challenges for banks. Since October, these metals have entered a period of high volatility, prompting banks to enhance their risk management strategies [4]. - In response to market fluctuations, banks have adjusted trading rules and increased the minimum purchase thresholds for gold accumulation products to a range of 950 to 1,200 yuan, compared to around 500 yuan last year. Additionally, some banks have modified their precious metals wallet services to align with real-time gold price fluctuations [4]. - Looking ahead, institutions expect gold to retain its upward potential, maintaining its importance in asset allocation. The profitability of banks' precious metals business will increasingly depend on their internal capabilities, including the establishment of robust risk management systems to mitigate price volatility risks and the optimization of asset allocation for stable returns [4].

Core Viewpoint - Major Chinese banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Construction Bank (CCB), have suspended new gold accumulation business due to macroeconomic policy changes and risk management requirements, impacting various gold investment products and services [1][2]. Group 1: Bank Actions - ICBC has halted the acceptance of new accounts for its "Ruyi Gold Accumulation" program, along with new accumulation plans and physical gold withdrawals, while existing plans will continue to be executed normally [1]. - CCB has suspended real-time purchases and new investment plans for its "Easy Gold" service, as well as physical gold exchanges, but existing customers can still redeem and close accounts [1]. - Other banks, such as Industrial Bank and Ping An Bank, have already raised the minimum investment amounts for gold accumulation products in response to increased trading activity and gold price volatility [2]. Group 2: Tax Policy Changes - A significant change in gold tax policy was announced, effective from November 1, 2025, which aims to optimize the VAT arrangements for gold transactions and clarify the distinction between investment and non-investment uses [2]. - The new tax policy is expected to promote more transparent and regulated gold trading, reducing gray market activities and increasing compliance costs [2]. Group 3: Market Reactions - The international gold price has seen significant fluctuations, with a year-to-date increase exceeding 50%, while domestic gold prices also reached historical highs before experiencing corrections [3]. - Following the announcements from banks, gold retail stocks in Hong Kong and A-share markets faced declines, indicating market sensitivity to these changes [3][4]. Group 4: Risk Management Objectives - The banks' decision to pause new business is aimed at managing three key risks: reducing immediate inventory and delivery pressures during extreme volatility, allowing time for compliance with new tax regulations, and mitigating the impact of emotional trading on business operations [4]. - The new tax policy is expected to enhance the advantages of standardized gold products, leading to a potential rebalancing of channels among banks, platforms, and investors [4]. Group 5: Investor Guidance - Investors are advised to adopt a cautious approach by avoiding high-risk positions and considering gold as a hedging component in their portfolios, while prioritizing compliance and clarity in product offerings [6]. - The current restrictions on new accounts and physical withdrawals may lead to temporary adjustments in trading parameters and potential delays in transactions [6]. Group 6: Future Observations - Key points to monitor include whether more banks will follow suit in suspending new accounts, the impact of the new tax policy on different gold trading channels, and the evolution of price and trading structures in the gold market [8].

Core Points - China Construction Bank announced the suspension of certain gold investment services starting from November 3, 2025, due to market volatility and risk management considerations [2] - The suspended services include real-time purchases, new investment plans, and physical gold exchanges, while existing clients' investment plans and redemptions will remain unaffected [2] - The bank will also pause personal gold accumulation exchanges for physical precious metals, but other personal gold accumulation services will continue [2] Summary by Category - **Service Suspension** - The bank will suspend real-time buy-in, new investment plans, and physical gold exchange applications starting from November 3, 2025 [2] - Existing clients' investment plans, redemptions, and account closures will not be impacted [2] - **Impact on Personal Gold Accumulation** - Personal gold accumulation exchanges for physical precious metals will be paused [2] - Other personal gold accumulation services will remain unaffected [2] - **Future Announcements** - The bank will provide updates regarding the resumption of the suspended services in future announcements [2]

Core Viewpoint - The gold market in 2025 presents challenges due to high volatility, but this does not alter the trend of listed banks deepening their precious metals business, supported by global central banks increasing gold reserves [1] Policy and Market Environment - As of September 2025, China's official gold reserves reached 74.06 million ounces, marking an increase of 40,000 ounces from August, continuing an 11-month growth trend [1] - In Q2 2025, global central banks added 166 tons of gold to their reserves, with 95% of surveyed central banks expecting further increases in the next 12 months [1] - The Financial Regulatory Bureau's pilot program for insurance funds to invest in gold creates new opportunities for banks to provide services to insurance institutions, enhancing their middle-income business [2] Business Dynamics and Revenue Contribution - In the first half of 2025, China's gold consumption was 505.205 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 3.54%, with gold jewelry consumption down 26% and gold bars and coins up 23.69% [3] - The demand for gold bars and coins reflects a growing need for gold as a hedge and store of value, positioning banks as key channels for these products [3] - The decline in gold jewelry consumption may lead banks to focus more on investment-type precious metals business, enhancing revenue stability [3] Risks and Outlook - High volatility in the gold market poses a significant challenge for listed banks, testing their risk control capabilities in proprietary trading and client asset preservation [4] - Future profitability from precious metals will depend on banks' ability to establish robust risk management systems and optimize asset allocation [4] - Banks with strong risk control and market-making capabilities are likely to strengthen their competitive position and expand market share [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the banking sector, indicating a positive outlook despite challenges in the gold market in 2025 [1]. Core Insights - The gold market is expected to present both opportunities and challenges for banks, with a trend towards deepening precious metal business driven by central bank purchases [1][2]. - The demand for gold bars and coins has increased significantly, reflecting a growing need for gold as a hedge and store of value among residents [4]. - The establishment of a market-making system for gold trading is anticipated to enhance market liquidity and stability, positioning listed banks as key players [3][4]. Summary by Sections 1. Policy and Market Environment - As of September 2025, China's official gold reserves reached 74.06 million ounces, marking an increase for 11 consecutive months [2]. - In Q2 2025, global central banks added 166 tons of gold to their reserves, with 95% of surveyed central banks expecting further increases in the next 12 months [2]. - New policies allowing insurance funds to invest in gold are expected to create new opportunities for banks to provide services to insurance institutions, enhancing their intermediary income [2]. 2. Business Dynamics and Revenue Contribution - In the first half of 2025, China's gold consumption was 505.205 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 3.54%, with significant growth in gold bar and coin consumption by 23.69% [4]. - The decline in gold jewelry consumption is prompting banks to shift focus from traditional jewelry sales to investment-oriented precious metal businesses [4]. - The growth in investment demand for gold bars and coins is expected to stabilize income from investment-related businesses, enhancing the profitability of the precious metals segment for banks [4]. 3. Industry Trends - The report highlights a structural shift in gold consumption, with investment demand rising while jewelry demand declines, indicating a need for banks to adapt their business strategies [4]. - The performance of the banking sector is expected to benefit from expansionary policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, with specific banks like Ningbo Bank and Jiangsu Bank recommended for investment due to positive fundamental changes [8]. 4. Key Data Tracking - The report includes various financial metrics, such as average daily trading volume and margin financing balances, which are essential for assessing market conditions [9][10].

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent investment experience in gold, highlighting a profitable short-term trade and the importance of taking profits quickly in volatile markets [1] - It emphasizes that despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term outlook for gold remains positive due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties [1][3] Group 2 - Geopolitical conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine situation, are expected to continue driving gold prices upward in the long term, despite temporary price drops during negotiation phases [3] - The uncertainty surrounding the U.S. government shutdown creates a favorable environment for gold, as prolonged shutdowns can lead to increased market volatility and speculation [6] - The Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts are seen as a long-term positive for gold, as lower rates typically increase the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold [9] - Institutional investors and ETFs are increasing their holdings in gold, indicating a sustained bullish sentiment in the market, although some institutional strategies may be aimed at attracting retail investors rather than genuine market analysis [10][11] - Central banks globally are increasing their gold reserves as a strategy to counteract the trend of de-dollarization, aiming to stabilize their currencies and maintain influence in the future monetary system [12]