Tensions in the Middle East, coupled with uncertainty over the outcome of next month's US presidential election and the easing of monetary policies by central banks worldwide, have driven funds into safe-haven assets and boosted gold prices.

Spot gold topped US$2,700 per ounce in the Asian electronic trading session today (18th), setting a new historical high. Gold prices have surged over 30% this year on the Fed's earlier half-point rate cut and geopolitical tensions.

Related NewsM Stanley Lays Out Latest Focus List in HK Mkt (Table)
The HSI reversed yesterday's decline, opening 27 points, or 0.1%, higher at 20,106 this morning. Gold miners opened rallying across the board. ZIJIN MINING (02899.HK)  +0.200 (+0.955%)    Short selling $328.79M; Ratio 37.198%   opened 2.1% higher at $16.9, with pre-market turnover of $8.416 million. ZHAOJIN MINING (01818.HK)  -0.100 (-0.511%)    Short selling $24.89M; Ratio 19.698%   opened 3.2% higher at $14, with pre-market turnover of $2.695 million. SD GOLD (01787.HK)  -0.050 (-0.205%)    Short selling $19.03M; Ratio 18.428%   opened 2.7% higher at $17.5, with pre-market turnover of $1.002 million. CHINAGOLDINTL (02099.HK)  -2.300 (-3.395%)    Short selling $5.63M; Ratio 5.164%   opened 1.5% higher at $34.6. LINGBAO GOLD (03330.HK)  -0.120 (-1.179%)    Short selling $8.29M; Ratio 14.909%   opened 1.7% higher at $2.93.
(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2025-08-01 16:25.)