Shares of LAOPU GOLD (06181) surged more than 4%, last trading at HKD 354 with a turnover of HKD 444 million, up 4.06% at the time of writing.

In market news, spot gold hit an intraday high of USD 4328.20 per ounce overnight, closing at USD 4308, marking its largest single-day gain in five months with a rise of over 4%. Trump's latest remarks on reopening negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz sparked expectations of a geopolitical risk premium. Meanwhile, second-quarter global central bank gold reserve data showed expansion exceeding forecasts, with South Korea's central bank resuming gold purchases after 13 years, a move that notably reinforced confidence in sustained central bank demand as a support for prices.

Where to start

According to Caitong Securities, LAOPU GOLD has been highly active recently, with new store openings or upgrades at multiple high-end shopping malls, demonstrating the company's strong brand premium capabilities and luxury-channel control. Guojin Securities noted that with the upcoming peak gift-giving seasons in the second half of the year, including Qixi Festival, National Day, and year-end holidays, consumption is expected to rebound in Q3 and Q4. On the profitability front, net profit growth in the first half significantly outpaced revenue, driven by a marginal decline in gold costs, combined with a stable premium on the company's fixed-price products, leading to a continuous rise in gross margins and a clear profit improvement trajectory.