Core Viewpoint - The current global economic landscape is characterized by significant uncertainty, particularly affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are increasingly in need of risk management tools and strategies [1][2] Economic Environment - The external operating environment for enterprises has tightened, with multiple factors contributing to external pressures, including a slowdown in global economic growth, restructuring of global supply chains, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and accelerated industrial transformation [2][3] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts global economic growth will decline to 2.8% by 2025, with developed countries facing weak consumption and investment, while emerging markets like ASEAN and India are limited by insufficient global demand [2] - Geopolitical issues, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, have increased commodity price volatility, raising logistics and raw material costs for enterprises [2] Role of Futures Market - The futures market is becoming a crucial tool for enterprises to stabilize expectations and hedge risks, offering three core functions: price discovery, risk management, and resource allocation [3][4] - Price discovery helps enterprises anticipate future supply and demand, while risk management allows them to lock in costs and protect profits against price fluctuations [3][4] - Resource allocation through futures can guide enterprises in adjusting production and sales strategies, as seen in the urea sector where risk management projects have been implemented [3][4] Services for SMEs - The company has focused on enhancing services for SMEs, transitioning from a "financial high ground" to a "field-level" approach, with innovative financial tools and customized risk management solutions [4][5] - The "insurance + futures" model has been deepened, with over 300 projects initiated in 2024, covering various agricultural products and recovering over 150 million yuan in losses for farmers and enterprises [4][5] - The company has also utilized basis trading and embedded options to support over 200 enterprises, with more than 60% being SMEs [5] Challenges and Recommendations - Key challenges for the widespread application of futures tools include limited understanding among SMEs, high transaction costs, and institutional barriers [5][6] - Recommendations for the futures industry include lowering participation thresholds for SMEs, improving the variety of futures products, enhancing professional service capabilities, and fostering policy collaboration [6][7] Future Directions - The company envisions becoming an indispensable risk management hub for enterprises by deeply embedding itself in the industrial chain and transitioning from "channel services" to "hub services" [7][8] - There is a need to reshape the perception of futures tools, moving away from the stigma of "high leverage and high risk" through service and case studies [7][8] - Educational initiatives targeting investors and students are being promoted to enhance understanding and interest in the futures market [8][9]
国元期货洪明: 主动作为 积极转型 助力实体企业穿越周期
Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-07-04 20:26