Global investment banks expect gold to extend its record-breaking price rally into 2025 and China's stock market to edge up the next year, according to their latest forecasts on major asset classes including stocks, bonds, commodities.
Goldman Sachs expects the central banks of emerging and developed economies to continue their accommodative monetary policies into 2025.
The investment bank anticipates an average interest rate reduction of 116 basis points in developed economies and 114 basis points in emerging markets over the next year.
In terms of commodities, Goldman Sachs is optimistic about gold prices, forecasting that they could reach 3,000 U.S. dollars per ounce by 2025 mainly due to increased central bank purchases and anticipated rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.
J.P. Morgan Chase shares a positive outlook on gold prices, but sets a lower target of 2,850 U.S. dollars per ounce.
Goldman Sachs is also bullish on Chinese equities, maintaining an "overweight" position on stocks listed in the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
It expects the MSCI China Index to rise by 15 percent and the China Securities Index 300 by 13 percent in 2025.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management forecasts an average annual return of 7.8 percent for Chinese equities over the next 10 to 15 years, driven by China's focus on enhancing productive forces.
Int'l investment banks bullish on gold, Chinese equities in 2025
Int'l investment banks bullish on gold, Chinese equities in 2025
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
