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Homepage/News/Gold's Speculative Crash Driven by China, Says Bessent
NEWS

Gold's Speculative Crash Driven by China, Says Bessent

BY Solomon M.·1 MIN READ·FEBRUARY 9, 2026

Gold prices plummeted 9% last week following China imposing stricter margin requirements, as explained by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

KEY FINDINGS - EVIDENCE LEVEL: MULTI-SOURCE
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Key Points:
  • Gold prices plunged due to China’s regulatory actions.
  • Bessent calls the crash a speculative blowoff.
  • Steepest decline since 2013 highlights market volatility.

The incident signals potential instability in precious metals even as China’s demand remains high, causing ripple effects on traditional markets.

Gold prices dropped sharply last week, as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attributed the crash to a “classical, speculative blowoff” incited by China’s regulatory adjustments. The drop marked gold’s steepest decline since 2013 with a 9% fall.

The primary catalyst involved China tightening margin requirements on leveraged gold trading, a move forcing widespread sell-offs. This led to a substantial dip in gold from its prior peak of nearly $5,091 per troy ounce.

The sell-off resulted in significant market outflows, particularly affecting Chinese gold ETFs with 980 million yuan exits. The sudden market shift reflects volatility induced by regulatory changes in one of the world’s largest gold markets.

These market shifts highlight broader financial implications where dollar strength pressures commodities. The decision signals potential repercussions on global gold trade dynamics, although cryptocurrencies appeared unaffected by these developments.

Market analysts compare the crash to historical events, notably the 2013 gold decline caused by regulatory constraints. Similar past occurrences saw rapid sell-offs due to constrained market liquidity.

Experts foresee potential market recalibrations as regulatory tightening can influence investor behavior. Historical trends suggest such measures lead to rapid market corrections, presenting challenges for stakeholders relying on leveraged trading.

Disclaimer:

The content on The CCPress is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry inherent risks. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

SOURCE TRANSPARENCY
  • External Source - Referenced domain: twitter.com
  • Byline - Reported by Solomon M.
  • Coverage Desk - Primary editorial category: News
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