In an age of deglobalization, why are ordinary people clinging to gold? From central banks to Gen Z shoppers, gold has become an unlikely barometer of trust in the global order.

In January 2026, London spot gold hit a record high. The craze has since swept the world. The pattern is clear: the more unstable the world, the stronger the lure of gold. And the data backs it up — geopolitical risks and gold prices now move in near-perfect sync.

In China, young people are driving the gold rush, buying for investment, savings, and sometimes just for fun. Yet gold is not a cure-all. Mindless buying and overstocking carry real risks. The real question isn't how high gold can go — but how we balance its safe-haven appeal with sound financial sense.

Source: Guangzhou Daily
Supervisor: Guangzhou Daily Global
Video Coordination & Review: Mao Yuxi, Xue Yan, Lyu Yun, Wen Junhua
Script: Lin zhiying (Jinan University)
Video: Yang Simiao, Hong Xianwei, Lin Zhiying (Jinan University)
Cover Design: Hong Xianwei (Jinan University)
Advisor: Zhao Tianfang (Jinan University)
English Author & Editor: Lyu Yun