Historical Context: The Great Treasury Unwind
China's US Treasury holdings have undergone 'systematic liquidation' over 12+ years:
PeriodHoldings ($B)Δ vs PeakDriversMarket ImpactNov 2013 (Peak)$1,320—Accumulation phase: China recycles trade surplus into TreasuriesNone (buying)2014-2016$1,250-5.3%First diversification: Silk Road infrastructure, A-shares supportMinimal2017-2019$1,120-15.2%Trade War I: Trump tariffs, retaliation via Treasury sales10Y yield +50bp2020-2022$980-25.8%COVID, SWIFT weaponization fears (Russia precedent)Offset by…
On February 12, 2026, the publication of a Kremlin memorandum suggesting Russia might return to US dollar settlements triggered a severe, rapid sell-off in precious metals, with silver futures dropping 9.2% and gold shedding 2.53% within 47 minutes.
This event, classified by Steelldy risk engine as an extreme geopolitical repricing event (score 91/100), signaled…
Economie