Core Viewpoint - The return of President Trump to the White House is seen as a positive development for the gold market, with several key factors likely to support gold prices in the coming months, potentially making gold a core asset class in investors' portfolios [1]. Group 1: Central Bank Demand - There is a significant increase in demand for gold from central banks, particularly from BRICS nations like China and India, as part of a broader strategy to de-dollarize [1]. - The People's Bank of China has been accumulating gold reserves for eight consecutive months, indicating a weakening confidence in the US dollar [1]. Group 2: De-dollarization and Trade Policies - Trump's global tariff policies are accelerating the de-dollarization process, reducing reliance on the US dollar as a reserve currency [2]. - The decline in credit quality of developed countries, including the US, is raising concerns in the market, especially after Moody's downgraded the US credit rating [2]. - Trade policies, such as large budget deficits or increased tariffs, are expected to decrease demand for US Treasury bonds, thereby supporting gold prices [2]. Group 3: Interest in Gold ETFs - The decline in yields on 2-year and 10-year US Treasury bonds, along with inflationary pressures, is reducing the opportunity cost of holding gold, leading to a resurgence of interest in gold ETFs and other alternatives [3]. - In the first half of 2025, North America led the global inflow of funds into gold ETFs, with a total inflow of $38 billion in the first half of this year, marking the strongest performance since the first half of 2020 [3]. Group 4: Technical Indicators and Market Sentiment - Gold prices have remained above $3,250 per ounce for most of June, indicating potential upward momentum as market volatility returns [3]. - The current macroeconomic environment supports the view that gold is not just a crisis hedge but is becoming a core asset class in modern investment strategies [3].

Group 1 - Jeff Gundlach, known as the "Bond King," predicts that gold prices could rise to $4,000 per ounce, a 20% increase from last week's price of approximately $3,345 [1] - Gold has increased by 25% this year, reflecting a shift in traders' perceptions due to market volatility related to tariffs and geopolitical concerns [1] - The World Gold Council reports that the global market size for physically-backed gold ETFs increased by $11 billion in April, reaching $397 billion [1] Group 2 - Gundlach expresses a challenging outlook for other risk assets, predicting a potential 20% decline in the S&P 500 index, which could drop to 4,500 points [2] - The market is currently in a risk-off state, with other analysts also optimistic about gold due to uncertainties stemming from trade policies [3] - Goldman Sachs has raised its gold price target to $3,700 per ounce, citing high policy uncertainty and a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy [3]

Group 1 - China's demand for gold surged recently, with significant inflows into gold ETFs leading to a brief peak in spot gold prices at $3,500 [1] - However, this demand quickly reversed, with Chinese investors liquidating positions before the Labor Day holiday, resulting in a 5% decline from historical highs in total holdings [2][8] - On April 22, Chinese investors increased their holdings by 1.2 million ounces, but subsequently sold nearly 1 million ounces, reversing the previous buying trend [3][5] Group 2 - The total holdings in China have decreased by approximately 5%, and the arbitrage space for paper gold has shrunk by $20 per ounce from its peak [8] - Recent price fluctuations in gold have been heavily influenced by Chinese market activity, particularly during the Asian trading hours, which can trigger trading signals for overseas commodity trading advisors [10] - A strong dollar and easing trade tensions have diminished gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, with market confidence remaining unstable [12] Group 3 - Analysts noted that gold prices confirmed a break below a three-week upward channel, indicating potential further declines [13] - The relative strength index (RSI) is testing critical support levels, with the need for gold to maintain above the 21-day moving average at $3,230 to preserve bullish potential [13] - If gold fails to hold above this moving average, it may initiate a new downward trend, targeting psychological levels at $3,150 and subsequently the 50-day moving average at $3,081 [13]

Core Viewpoint - After reaching a historical high on April 22, international gold prices have experienced a significant decline, with COMEX gold futures dropping to $3,327.60 per ounce, down over $180 from the previous high of $3,509.90 per ounce [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Hedge funds have been identified as the primary force driving the recent pullback in gold prices, with a reduction of 1.1196 million ounces in net long positions during the week of April 22, marking the largest cut among asset management institutions [3]. - The selling pressure from hedge funds has intensified since mid-April, as they have adopted a "habitual" trading strategy of selling high and buying low to capture short-term gains [3]. - Despite the recent decline, institutional long-term bullish sentiment towards gold remains unchanged, with a reported inflow of $3.3 billion into the gold market [3]. Group 2: Influencing Factors - The recent changes in market sentiment, influenced by reduced uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve chairperson and signals from the U.S. government to ease trade tensions, have contributed to a decline in risk aversion, further pressuring gold prices [3]. - Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continue to play a crucial role in supporting gold prices, with accelerated inflows driven by global trade environment changes and increased economic uncertainty, alongside a year-to-date price increase of over 25% [4].