[World Gold Council: Annualized Gold Return Around 5%, Long-Term Trend Supported by Wealth Storage Demand] BlockBeats News, September 7, the World Gold Council recently released the report *'2026 China Gold Jewelry Retail Trend Insights'* and answered questions from reporters regarding the evolution of the hard pure gold category and the transformation of gold jewelry consumption structure. Wang Lixin, CEO of the World Gold Council China, stated: 'Hard pure gold is still the "sun at eight or nine o'clock," and it will undoubtedly dominate in the future, with significant potential ahead.' The Chinese gold jewelry market is undergoing a typical trend of 'price rising, volume declining.' According to the Council's data, in the first half of 2026, gold jewelry consumption volume fell by 30% year-on-year to 136 tons, while total consumption value increased by 5% to 143.7 billion yuan. Store consolidation continues, and the demand for self-wearing and self-gratification has risen for three consecutive years, shifting from 'important moment' consumption to 'every moment' consumption. The insights report predicts the future trajectory of gold investment as follows: - In the short term, a tug-of-war between the 'hawkish' Federal Reserve and the 'dovish' U.S. Treasury. - In the medium term, central bank gold purchases providing a floor. - In the long term, consumption and wealth storage demand driven by economic growth. Historical data review shows that gold's long-term annualized return rate has remained stable at approximately 5%. (21 Finance)