Core Viewpoint - The total deposits in U.S. banks increased from $18.251 trillion to $18.297 trillion over the past week, indicating a growth in the banking sector's deposit base [1] Group 1 - U.S. bank deposits rose by $46 billion in one week [1]

Group 1: Gold Investment - Gold prices have experienced significant fluctuations, with a notable increase during geopolitical tensions, such as a 12% rise during the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2024 [3] - The selling of physical gold can be challenging, as banks typically do not buy back gold bars, and gold shops offer significantly lower buyback prices compared to market value [3] - Investors should be cautious about blindly chasing gold prices, as high entry points can lead to long-term losses [3] Group 2: Real Estate Investment - Average housing prices have dropped by 30% compared to 2021, leading some to believe it is a good time to buy [5] - Despite the price drop, there are still bubbles in certain markets, such as Shanghai and Shenzhen, where the price-to-income ratio is as high as 40, indicating potential for further declines [5][7] - The demand for investment properties has decreased significantly, with many investors either selling or holding cash, suggesting that now may not be the best time for real estate investment [7] Group 3: Bank Deposits - Major banks have significantly reduced deposit interest rates since 2024, leading to lower returns for savers [7] - The purchasing power of savings is declining due to rising prices, making bank deposits less attractive compared to other investment options [7] - While bank deposits may result in slow asset depreciation, they are considered less risky compared to investments in gold and real estate [9] Group 4: Diversified Asset Allocation - A diversified asset allocation strategy is recommended to mitigate risks and enhance wealth preservation over the next five years [9] - An example of diversification includes splitting funds into three parts: one-third in low-risk investments like government bonds, another third in low-risk products like structured deposits, and the final third in medium-risk investments like mixed funds [9]