Huatai Securities says global financial markets are entering a critical transition period, with traditional gold investment metrics becoming inadequate. Investors must increasingly monitor U.S. bond yields and real yields, as these variables now exert greater influence on gold prices than historically observed. This approach resembles past policy frameworks where markets assessed economic conditions and interest rate direction through price mechanisms rather than relying on central bank forward guidance. With reduced central bank communication, markets must independently interpret economic data and monetary policy trends, causing bond markets to more clearly reflect investor expectations on economic growth, inflation, and interest rates.

Recent volatility in both 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds has increased, reflecting markets reassessing monetary policy amid continuously changing economic data. While energy price pressures have begun easing and may partially reduce inflation pressure, markets continue prioritizing interest rate direction and bond yields over energy cost factors.

Higher bond yields affect not only financial assets but also the real economy through increased borrowing costs for households, businesses, and government funding, potentially slowing consumption and investment.

For gold markets, investors should increasingly focus on real yields—bond returns adjusted for inflation—as this better reflects the opportunity cost of holding gold compared to considering policy rates alone. If markets expect the Fed to maintain high rates while inflation gradually declines, rising real yields could pressurize short-term gold demand. However, if bond yield increases stem from inflation concerns, fiscal risks, or economic impact, gold may regain attention as a safe-haven asset.

Huatai Securities notes that gold prices no longer respond solely to geopolitical factors as in the past, but also depend on bond yield and real yield movements. Even amid political uncertainty or international conflicts, gold price gains may be limited if bond yields and real interest rates remain elevated.

Further, the Fed's reduced forward guidance role means markets must respond more to current economic data, increasing volatility across assets including gold. Gold prices may now react to economic data, interest rate expectations, and bond yield changes more rapidly and dramatically than before.

This shift reflects that "the gold investment game is changing." Investors cannot assess gold price trends using traditional factors alone, such as inflation, dollar strength, or geopolitical risk.

PHUKET — Motorists were left alarmed after a man was filmed throwing rocks at passing vehicles on Phuket's bypass road, with the video quickly spreading across social media.

A local Facebook page shared a video with the caption: "Driving normally when someone suddenly throws rocks. #Bypass #Phuket." The footage sparked widespread concern among road users after showing a man standing on the road median before hurling rocks at passing vehicles.

The video shows the man, dressed in black, standing on the median of Chaloem Phra Kiat Rama IX Road (Phuket Bypass Road) in Ratsada subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district. Holding a rock in his hand, he is seen throwing it toward vehicles travelling along the road, raising fears that the incident could cause traffic accidents or damage to motorists' lives and property.

The clip prompted numerous reactions online, with many expressing concern over public safety. Some commenters called for authorities to intervene immediately, while others voiced frustration over the potential danger posed by the man's actions.

As of June 30, 2026, there have been no official reports of injuries or property damage resulting from the incident. Authorities have also not confirmed the identity of the man or whether he was suffering from any medical condition. Relevant agencies are expected to investigate the incident further.

Hat Yai University, in collaboration with the Thailand Gastronomy Network (TGN) and its partners, has launched the "HUG - Hat Yai University Gastronomy Lab," the first ever Innovation and Design cente...

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PHUKET: New Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has ordered authorities to intensify efforts against crime, drugs, illegal labour and traffic offences after police reported 4,987 criminal cases, more than 100,000 traffic arrests and 2,297 drug cases during the current fiscal year.