Key Points - Gold prices remained volatile last week, with London spot gold closing at $3,355 per ounce (up 0.5% week-on-week) and domestic AU9999 gold at 770 yuan per gram (down 0.3% week-on-week) [1] - The uncertainty surrounding tariffs remains high, as President Trump announced increased tariffs on several countries but postponed implementation until August 1. Additionally, a 50% tariff on imported copper will take effect in August [1] - The People's Bank of China has increased its gold reserves for the eighth consecutive month, reaching 73.9 million ounces (approximately 2,298.55 tons) by the end of June, reflecting the strategic importance of gold as a "non-credit asset" in the global monetary system [1] - Global gold ETF investment demand remains strong, with $38 billion inflows in the first half of the year, marking the strongest semi-annual performance since the first half of 2020. All regions saw inflows, with North American and European investors leading the trend [1] - The outlook for gold remains positive amid U.S. trade protectionism and potential tariff fluctuations, as well as ongoing central bank gold purchases due to U.S. debt and dollar credit concerns [2] - Key signals to watch for gold ETFs in the coming week include trade negotiations and tariff developments, as well as U.S. inflation data for June [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of investing in judicial auction gold bars, highlighting that starting prices are often significantly lower than recent market prices, but final auction prices frequently exceed market values, indicating limited opportunities for "bargain hunting" [1][3]. Summary by Sections Auction Dynamics - A 200-gram gold bar auctioned by a court in Xinjiang had a starting price of 119,723.2 yuan, significantly lower than the market price of 781.25 yuan per gram on June 5, with a final auction price of 155,563.2 yuan [2][3]. - The auction attracted 297 bids, with bidding increments starting at 10 yuan, reflecting high interest and competitive bidding behavior [3]. Market Context - The international gold price reached over 3,390 USD per ounce, marking a 29% increase since the beginning of the year, reinforcing gold's status as a safe-haven asset amid global uncertainties [3][11]. - The article notes that judicial auction platforms have become popular due to their transparent processes and lower investment barriers compared to traditional gold investment channels [11]. Investor Experiences - An investor, Li Zhen, shared her experience of successfully bidding for a gold bar at a lower starting price, but later regretted her early bid as competition was less than expected, leading to a final price slightly above market value [5][7]. - Many participants reported that auction prices often exceed market prices, reducing the chances of acquiring gold bars at a discount [8][9]. Auction Characteristics - Judicial auctions typically involve assets seized from criminal or civil cases, with the auctioned items evaluated based on international gold prices [11][12]. - Some auctioned gold bars come with certificates and original packaging, appealing to investors seeking low-risk physical gold investments [11][12]. Investment Sentiment - The article emphasizes that the increasing participation in judicial gold bar auctions reflects a broader market demand for gold as an investment, particularly in light of rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainties [11][12].