China’s Precious Metals Boom Triggers Protests As Speculative Risks Intensify

Economic

Commodity

Summary:

A surge in speculative trading has pushed precious metals prices in China far above global benchmarks, prompting regulatory intervention and raising concerns that investors could face sharp losses if sentiment reverses....

A Frenzied Rally Outpaces Global Markets

China’s precious metals market has entered an increasingly volatile phase as investor enthusiasm drives local prices well beyond international levels. Gold surged above $5,300 per ounce globally, gaining more than 20 percent this year, supported by a weakening U.S. dollar and growing investor distrust of fiat currencies and sovereign bonds. Silver’s rally has been even more dramatic, rising roughly 60 percent in just four weeks, with sharp and erratic daily price swings.

Within China, prices have climbed even higher, surpassing global benchmarks despite the additional 13 percent value-added tax faced by local importers. This gap reflects intense domestic demand rather than supply constraints alone, highlighting how speculative behavior has amplified price moves beyond what international fundamentals would typically justify.

Shenzhen Protest Signals Stress In The System

The strain created by this speculative surge became visible in Shenzhen, China’s largest physical bullion trading hub. Authorities in the city’s Luohu district established a special task force to oversee a local gold-trading platform after investors reported difficulties withdrawing funds. Around 100 users reportedly gathered at the premises of Shenzhen Jiewo Rui, with social media videos showing clashes involving police, underscoring rising tensions among retail investors.

The platform reportedly allowed users to lock in future gold prices by posting margin equal to as little as one-fortieth of the spot price, implying leverage of up to 40 times. Such leverage creates a direct causal risk: as prices rise rapidly, platforms face mounting pressure to hedge exposure, maintain liquidity, and ensure physical delivery. When prices hit successive highs, even small disruptions can quickly escalate into systemic stress for smaller operators.

Structural Vulnerabilities In Local Gold Trading

Jiewo Rui is not an isolated case. Shenzhen hosts numerous small and mid-sized bullion trading platforms operating alongside its vast physical gold market. Local industry associations had already warned of rising risks last October, following regulatory action against several firms. Earlier this year, a major silver seller in the city’s Shuibei market reportedly defaulted on deliveries, leaving hundreds of investors awaiting compensation.

These incidents illustrate a broader pattern rather than isolated misconduct. High leverage, thin margins, and surging speculative demand are interacting in a way that magnifies operational risk. While rising prices attract investors, they simultaneously increase the probability of failure among intermediaries if hedging and inventory management fall short.

Funds Move To Cool Overheated Demand

Concerns about investor protection have also prompted action in the fund management sector. Several precious metals funds have halted subscriptions after overwhelming demand pushed market prices far above the value of their underlying assets. The UBS SDIC Silver Futures Fund LOF suspended new subscriptions and briefly halted trading after issuing frequent risk warnings since early December. Its premium over Shanghai Futures Exchange silver contracts remains elevated at about 36 percent, a level the fund manager has described as unsustainable.

Similarly, the E Fund Gold Theme Fund has stepped in to curb speculative inflows by suspending new subscriptions. These measures reflect an effort to manage correlation-driven exuberance, where rising prices attract more capital, which in turn pushes prices even higher, regardless of underlying value.

Rising Exposure As Volatility Accelerates

Strategists warn that while gold may still offer relative stability compared with silver, the broader precious metals frenzy has significantly increased downside risk for retail investors. Premiums far above intrinsic value imply that any sharp correction could translate into disproportionate losses, especially for leveraged positions.

The recent protests and trading halts highlight a critical transition point for China’s bullion market. What began as a defensive shift into hard assets amid currency weakness is increasingly showing signs of speculative excess. As regulators step in and funds restrict access, the next phase is likely to test how resilient investor confidence remains once momentum fades and volatility turns against crowded trades.

Source: Bloomberg

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Gerik

Economic

Forex

A Symbolic And Historical Threshold

The euro’s move past $1.20 against the U.S. dollar represents more than a routine currency fluctuation. Round numbers carry disproportionate weight in financial markets, and $1.20 has long been viewed as a benchmark that signals strength. The single currency surged roughly 13 percent last year, its strongest annual performance against the dollar since 2017, and is already up 2.1 percent so far in January.

This level also carries institutional significance. Last year, European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos highlighted $1.20 as a potential pain threshold, where currency strength could begin to weigh meaningfully on the economy. Although the euro approached this level in September before retreating as the dollar rebounded, its renewed break higher suggests that the broader trend has regained momentum.

Historically, the move is notable but not extreme. Since the euro’s launch in 1999, its long-term average sits slightly below $1.20, while its all-time peak near $1.60 in 2008 remains far above current levels. This context suggests strength without yet implying historical excess.

Dollar Weakness As The Primary Driver

The euro’s appreciation has been driven less by sudden euro-area outperformance and more by a sustained deterioration in sentiment toward the dollar. U.S. President Donald Trump’s confrontational stance on trade, disputes with allies, comments about Greenland, and repeated criticism of the Federal Reserve have undermined confidence in U.S. policy stability.

Speculation about potential joint U.S.-Japanese intervention to support the yen has also weighed on the dollar more broadly, lifting major counterparts including the euro. Trump’s assertion this week that the dollar’s value was “great” was interpreted by markets as a lack of concern about depreciation, reinforcing selling pressure rather than arresting it.

At the same time, European fiscal stimulus, led by Germany, alongside efforts to strengthen regional security and long-term growth, has improved relative sentiment toward the euro. These factors have correlated with the currency’s rise, even if they are not the sole causal drivers.

Corporate Earnings And Export Competitiveness At Risk

A stronger euro inevitably raises questions about the impact on European corporates. Currency appreciation makes exports more expensive abroad, particularly in the U.S., which accounts for nearly half of overseas revenues for companies in the STOXX 600, according to estimates from Goldman Sachs. Overall, about 60 percent of STOXX 600 revenues are generated outside Europe, amplifying sensitivity to exchange rate moves.

So far, equity markets have largely looked past this risk, focusing instead on improving growth prospects. Yet European earnings are expected to have contracted last year, and Barclays estimates that roughly half of last year’s earnings-per-share downgrades can be attributed to the euro’s appreciation. This suggests that currency effects are already filtering through financial results, even if markets have not fully priced them in.

How Concerned Is The ECB

The European Central Bank typically focuses on the pace and magnitude of currency moves rather than any single exchange rate level. Still, the euro’s recent acceleration is likely to attract attention. The currency jumped about 2 percent last week, its largest weekly gain since April, when Trump’s sweeping tariffs triggered global market turmoil.

Compared with last spring’s sharp surge, the euro’s appreciation since last summer has been more gradual, which may temper immediate concern. However, further gains could put downward pressure on import prices at a time when the ECB already expects inflation to undershoot its 2 percent target this year and next. In that context, sustained euro strength complicates the path toward achieving price stability.

Reserve Currency Ambitions Remain Distant

Despite the euro’s strong performance, it remains far from challenging the dollar’s dominance as the world’s primary reserve currency. The dollar still accounts for just under 60 percent of global foreign exchange reserves, compared with roughly 20 percent for the euro. Deep U.S. capital markets and the dollar’s central role in global trade continue to anchor its status.

ECB President Christine Lagarde has argued that erratic U.S. economic policy could eventually give the euro a greater international role. Yet she has also stressed that this would require Europe to complete long-delayed reforms to its financial architecture, a process that remains slow and politically complex.

The euro’s break above $1.20 captures a moment when currency markets are reassessing relative stability, policy credibility, and growth prospects on both sides of the Atlantic. While the move reflects improving confidence in Europe, it is equally a signal of eroding faith in U.S. policy coherence. Whether the euro can sustain levels above this milestone will depend not only on European fundamentals, but also on how long dollar weakness persists and how policymakers respond to the economic consequences of a stronger single currency.

Source: Reuters

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Samantha Luan

Stocks

Economic

Kia Corp. said US tariffs cost it 3.3 trillion won ($2.3 billion) last year and the South Korean automaker will roll out incentives to boost sales as competition intensifies.

Tariffs totaled about 1 trillion won in the fourth quarter alone, Kia said Wednesday, driving a 32% slump in operating profit from a year earlier to 1.8 trillion won. That missed analyst estimates for 1.9 trillion won and came despite the company reporting its highest-ever fourth-quarter revenue on strong demand for electric and hybrid cars.

While South Korea and the US reached a deal to lower import duties to 15% from 25% from Nov. 1, Kia didn't reap the full benefit because it had already paid the higher rate on inventory sitting in the US, Chief Financial Officer Kim Seung Jun said during a conference call. Shares closed 2.5% lower.

Despite mounting pressure, Kia's global sales started to turn around after bottoming out in the third quarter, and the company will be able to recover its free cash flow to pre-tariff levels early this year, Kim said.

The global automotive sector has been whipsawed by US President Donald Trump's unpredictable trade policies, including tariffs on imports of vehicles and parts. General Motors Co. has warned the duties will likely cost the company $3 billion to $4 billion this year, while European automakers were roiled last week by Trump's threat to hike tariffs again in a standoff over Greenland.

South Korea's car manufacturers were also surprised this week after the US President said he'd increase tariffs to 25% again due to what he said was the failure of the country's legislature to codify the trade deal the two nations reached last year.

Industry watchers are set to get a further gauge of the sector's sentiment on Thursday when Kia's bigger affiliate, Hyundai Motor Co., releases earnings. It's previously said tariffs had caused a 1.8 trillion won hit in the third quarter.

Beyond tariffs, Kia is also facing an uncertain demand outlook as the EV transition slows in key markets like the US and competition heats up with Chinese rivals that can offer more affordable cars in places like Europe.

The company increased incentive spending in Europe 10% last year and plans a similar level this year to hit its target of 11% sales growth in the region, according to Kim. Kia's share of that market fell to 3.8% last year from 4.1%.

"There's a significant price gap with Chinese products, and in light of growing competition in Europe, we believe our growth strategy won't be effective without a coping mechanism," he said.

In the US, the new Telluride hybrid sports utility vehicle and Seltos compact SUV is expected to spur 5% sales growth, Kim said.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

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Justin

Stocks

Economic

Sales at LVMH's key fashion unit fell over the holiday season as Louis Vuitton's owner continued to suffer from sluggish demand, setting back hopes of a wider luxury rebound.

Organic sales at the fashion and leather goods division declined 3% in the fourth quarter, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE said in a statement on Tuesday. Analysts had expected a slightly smaller drop.

LVMH shares slumped as much as 6.2% in early trading on Wednesday in Paris, the most since April on an intraday basis. They were down about 21% over the past 12 months through Tuesday's close.

Luxury companies have struggled to bounce back from a slump that followed a post-pandemic boom, with cost-of-living pressures and geopolitical uncertainty weighing on spending. Brands have also suffered from a consumer backlash after steep price increases.

Chief executive officer Bernard Arnault told investors 2026 is unlikely to be straightforward, and that LVMH would limit spending this year as a result.

"The journey back to growth for the sector, and LVMH as its proxy, will remain bumpy in the coming quarters, highly dependent on the external backdrop," JPMorgan analyst Chiara Battistini said in a note.

Some companies have been more resilient, such as Cartier owner Richemont. In uncertain times, consumers see gold necklaces, bracelets and the like as better stores of value than trendy handbags.

Though LVMH has a smaller presence in watches and jewellery, that business performed better than expected in the latest quarter, helping the company eke out a slight gain in overall sales despite weakness in fashion and leather goods. Bulgari performed particularly strongly during the fourth quarter, LVMH said.

That was an outlier for LVMH, which otherwise did not enjoy a festive rebound, AIR Capital analyst Pierre-Olivier Essig told Bloomberg. The cautious management tone likely indicates a year of transition, he said.

LVMH paid €1 billion (US$1.2 billion or RM4.7 billion) to increase its stake in Loro Piana — the brand known for its cashmere sweaters — to 94% from 85% in the second half of last year, according to an LVMH representative.

Organic sales rose 1% in the fourth quarter in both the US and the region that includes China, ahead of analyst estimates. Drops of 2% in Europe and 5% in Japan were bigger than expected.

Full-year profit from recurring operations was €17.8 billion, LVMH said, a drop of 9.3% from a year earlier but better than analysts expected.

LVMH's wines and spirits division saw its third year of falling sales. It's weighed down in particular by a collapse in demand for Hennessy Cognac.

Arnault, the billionaire founder of LVMH, said his family's stake in the luxury conglomerate would surpass 50% in 2026.

Source: Theedgemarkets

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Winkelmann

Political

Economic

India Reports Two Nipah Virus Infections As Thai, Malaysia Step Up Screening_1

A bat is caught in a net set up by lab assistants at a field laboratory as they research the Nipah virus in the Shuvarampur area of Faridpur, Bangladesh, September 14, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo

India is monitoring Nipah virus infections, with two reported from its eastern state of West Bengal since December, the health ministry said, as some Southeast Asia nations step up scrutiny of air travellers.

Tuesday's confirmation came a day after Thailand said it had tightened airport screening measures, with neighbouring Malaysia following suit.

"Speculative and incorrect figures regarding Nipah virus cases are being circulated," the Indian ministry warned in a statement that put the tally of infections at two.

Authorities have identified and traced 196 contacts linked to both cases, it added, with none showing symptoms and all testing negative for the virus.

Thailand has assigned designated parking bays for aircraft arriving from areas with Nipah outbreaks, its health ministry said, while passengers must make health declarations before clearing immigration.

Malaysia's health ministry said it was beefing up preparedness via health screening at international ports of entry, especially for arrivals from countries at risk.

"The ministry remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic infections in several other countries," it added in a statement on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates Nipah's fatality rate at 40% to 75%, ranks it as a priority pathogen for its potential to trigger an epidemic. There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no treatment to cure it.

Source: Reuters

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Gerik

Economic

Earnings Season Becomes A Referendum On AI Spending

This week’s earnings from major technology firms arrive at a sensitive moment for markets, as investors question whether unprecedented investment in artificial intelligence can translate into durable revenue growth. Microsoft and Meta are set to report first, followed next week by Alphabet and Amazon, placing the spotlight on how effectively AI spending is converting into financial performance.

Collectively, these companies are expected to raise AI investment by about 30 percent this year, pushing total spending beyond 500 billion dollars. This scale of capital outlay is unprecedented and has sharpened investor focus on execution, monetization, and competitive positioning rather than long-term promises alone.

Alphabet’s Momentum Reshapes The AI Race

Among the group, Alphabet has taken a clear lead. Its shares surged around 29 percent in the final three months of 2025, driven by strong reception of the Gemini 3 model and a strategic agreement to power Apple’s revamped Siri. This combination of proprietary technology and entrenched distribution channels has strengthened Alphabet’s position at a time when rivals are still defending earlier advantages.

According to David Wagner of Aptus Capital Advisors, Alphabet’s edge lies in ecosystems that are difficult to disrupt, particularly Google Search and its integration with Apple devices. This advantage reflects a causal relationship between platform control and AI monetization potential, rather than a purely cyclical surge in sentiment.

Alphabet is expected to report a 15.5 percent increase in revenue to 111.37 billion dollars, supported by rapid AI integration into search and stable advertising conditions. Google Cloud revenue growth is forecast to accelerate to 35 percent from 33.5 percent in the previous quarter, reinforcing confidence that AI adoption is translating into tangible demand.

Microsoft And Meta Face Rising Pressure

In contrast, Microsoft and Meta Platforms enter earnings season under pressure. Both stocks fell more than 6 percent in the last three months of 2025, reflecting doubts about whether their heavy AI investments are delivering sufficient returns.

Microsoft’s early lead through its stake in OpenAI is increasingly questioned, as competition intensifies in cloud services and AI infrastructure. Analysts at Morgan Stanley describe sentiment toward Microsoft as a “wall of worry,” driven by slower expected growth in Azure and rising competition for enterprise AI workloads. Azure revenue is forecast to grow 38.8 percent, down from 40 percent in the prior quarter, while overall revenue growth is expected to slow to 15.3 percent, the weakest pace in three quarters.

Operational challenges compound this pressure. Microsoft has flagged AI capacity constraints likely to persist until at least June, while higher memory chip prices have weighed on the personal computing segment that includes Windows and Xbox. These factors suggest a correlation between infrastructure bottlenecks and near-term growth limits, even as long-term AI demand remains strong.

Meta, meanwhile, is expected to post a 20.6 percent rise in revenue to 58.35 billion dollars, supported by AI-driven improvements in advertising targeting and recommendations. However, aggressive hiring of top AI talent is projected to push profit growth to a near three-year low, highlighting the trade-off between innovation investment and short-term margins.

Amazon’s Steady But Slower Expansion

Amazon is expected to deliver a 12.5 percent revenue increase, slightly slower than the previous quarter. While Amazon Web Services remains a critical AI growth engine, overall expansion is being tempered by weaker growth in the North America retail segment.

Amazon’s November agreement with OpenAI helped reposition the company as a serious AI contender rather than a laggard, contributing to a modest 5.1 percent share price gain late last year. Even so, its earnings will be closely examined for evidence that AI-driven cloud demand can offset slowing retail momentum.

Bubble Fears And The Question Of Real Returns

Despite strong revenue expectations in parts of the sector, concerns about an AI investment bubble persist. A PwC survey of more than 4,400 CEOs found that over half had yet to realize revenue or cost benefits from AI investments, reinforcing skepticism about near-term payoffs.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged this tension at Davos, noting that for AI not to resemble a bubble, benefits must spread more evenly across the economy. This observation underscores the distinction between widespread experimentation and broad-based productivity gains, which remain uneven.

What This Earnings Season Signals

As earnings unfold, markets are likely to reward companies that can demonstrate clear monetization pathways rather than simply scale of investment. Alphabet’s recent performance suggests that proprietary ecosystems and disciplined deployment offer a stronger foundation for AI-led growth. For Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, the challenge lies in proving that massive capital commitments are not just strategic necessities but also drivers of sustainable earnings.

In that sense, this earnings season is less about short-term surprises and more about validating whether the AI rally is built on durable fundamentals or on expectations that have run ahead of reality.

Source: Bloomberg

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Samantha Luan

Political

Economic

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia pounded Ukraine with drones and a missile overnight, killing two people in the Kyiv region, while the southern city of Odesa came under attack for the second night in a row, officials said on Wednesday.

A man and a woman were killed in the Kyiv region, and four more including two children sought medical attention, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukraine's air force said Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 146 drones overnight - 103 of them neutralised by air defences.

In Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a 17-storey residential building was hit, causing minor damage to the roof and damaging windows on the upper floors, the emergency services said.

In Odesa, which announced a day of mourning after a drone strike killed three people overnight on Tuesday, three people were hurt, the head of the city's military administration, Serhiy Lysak, said.

Port infrastructure in the surrounding region, which houses Ukraine's Black Sea ports, was also damaged, the regional governor said.

In the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, two people were injured in an overnight missile attack, military administration head Oleksandr Vilkul said.

The attack also "significantly" damaged an infrastructure facility, and close to 700 buildings were without heating, he added.

At dawn, Russia also attacked the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported on Telegram.

Four people were hurt in the attack, which also damaged at least 12 residential buildings, partially knocking out electricity to some of them, he said.

The city, which lies close to the frontline, has been bombed regularly by Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.