Multiple banking giants issue "warning letters," highlighting the risks of precious metal trading

As gold prices continue to reach historical highs recently, large commercial banks have begun to cautiously "warn of risks."

Zhitang noticed that in recent days, several state-owned banks and joint-stock banks have issued risk warning announcements or adjusted the thresholds for gold investments to investors.

The aforementioned announcements have also coincidentally warned about the market risks in the precious metals business recently.

Almost simultaneously, as the gold market continues its upward momentum, the purchasing sentiment for physical gold and gold jewelry has surged. Some bank apps have even shown that investment gold bars are out of stock.

The Shanghai Gold Exchange recently announced that there are many uncertain factors affecting market operations, precious metal prices are experiencing significant fluctuations, and market risks are intensifying. All member units are requested to remind investors to 做好风险防范工作等。

ICBC emphasizes "risk has significantly increased"

On February 12, ICBC published an announcement on its official website stating that recent fluctuations in precious metal prices have increased significantly, and market risks have risen sharply. It is recommended that you enhance your risk awareness, pay more attention to the precious metals market and price trends, and closely monitor the changes in the margin account funds for bidding transactions at the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

This announcement further reminds investors to "reasonably control positions, pay attention to margin balances, and prevent market risks."

Construction Bank warns of "personal gold accumulation" risks

On February 12, the announcement from Construction Bank pointed out that recent fluctuations in domestic and foreign precious metal prices have intensified, and market risks have increased. Please enhance your risk awareness regarding personal gold accumulation and other precious metal trading businesses, reasonably control positions, and timely monitor changes in holdings and margin balances, and invest rationally.

Among them, Construction Bank specifically emphasized the trading risks of "personal gold accumulation."

It is reported that "personal gold accumulation" refers to individuals investing in gold through banks by accumulating (purchasing in batches) rather than buying physical gold all at once. Investors can purchase gold regularly or irregularly by weight or amount through their accounts, gradually accumulating their holdings.

Additionally, it is understood that most gold accumulation businesses exist in the form of account gold, and investors do not directly hold physical gold but can choose to withdraw physical gold.

Bank of China raises minimum purchase amount

On February 7, 2025, the Bank of China published an announcement regarding the adjustment of the minimum purchase amount for accumulated gold products.

The announcement stated that, based on current market conditions, the bank will adjust the purchase conditions for accumulated gold products starting from February 10, 2025. The minimum purchase amount for accumulated gold products or the creation of an accumulation investment plan will be adjusted from 650 yuan to 700 yuan, while the additional purchase amount remains unchanged at multiples of 200 yuan.

On February 11, the Bank of China issued another announcement: adjustments will be made to the margin ratio and price fluctuation limits for trading gold forward contracts under the personal agency business of the Shanghai Gold Exchange.

The specific details are as follows: starting from the close of trading on February 12, 2025 (Wednesday), the margin ratio for gold forward contracts on the Shanghai Gold Exchange will be adjusted from 10% to 11%, and the margin ratio multiplier for Bank of China gold forward contracts will be adjusted from 395% to 360%

CITIC Bank Warns of Risks Days Ago

On February 8, CITIC Bank issued a notice stating that during the Spring Festival, the overseas precious metals market experienced significant fluctuations, with gold prices rising sharply. The intensification of international political and economic risks has increased the likelihood of substantial price fluctuations in gold.

This announcement advises investors to take precautions against risks, reasonably allocate gold assets from an asset allocation perspective, and purchase accumulated gold and physical gold products rationally.

China Merchants Bank Adjusts Gold Account Interest Rates

On February 8, China Merchants Bank announced that it would adjust the interest rates related to gold account services on February 12, including a reduction in the annualized interest rates for gold account demand deposits, as well as three-month, six-month, and nine-month products compared to previous rates.

China Merchants Bank also disclosed to investors that starting from February 17, it will increase the trading spreads for buying and selling gold accounts.

The so-called trading spread refers to the difference between the buying and selling prices of gold, which means that the cost of purchasing gold will increase. Typically, trading platforms take this measure to cope with increased market volatility.

Risk Warning and Disclaimer

The market carries risks, and investments should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial conditions, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article align with their specific circumstances. Investing based on this is at one's own risk