中国7月社零、金属市场：增速放缓与价格走势待察

Macro and Commodity Market Dynamics - China's retail sales growth slowed to 3.7% year-on-year in July, with automotive retail sales declining [1] - In the U.S., retail sales increased by 0.5% month-on-month in July, marking ten consecutive months of actual retail sales growth; however, consumer confidence unexpectedly fell in August [1] - The Federal Reserve's meeting minutes indicated officials' concerns about inflation, with a hawkish tone, and attention is on Powell's statements at the upcoming global central bank meeting [1] Copper Market - LME copper spot discount widened, with increased copper imports as the import window opened, putting pressure on premiums [1] - Downstream demand is in the off-season, leading to a decline in operating rates; overall, macro sentiment is fluctuating with weak supply and demand, limiting the downside for copper prices [1] Aluminum Market - Similar to copper, attention is on Powell's statements; aluminum prices remain high, but domestic consumption recovery is weak, and supply is ample [1] - There is an expectation of inventory accumulation for electrolytic aluminum, which is pressuring aluminum prices; overall, macro sentiment is fluctuating with downstream demand under pressure [1] Zinc Market - Mixed macro signals with potential support for the non-ferrous sector from a possible Fed rate cut in September [1] - Zinc ingot production exceeded 600,000 tons in July, with continued recovery in August, expected to increase by 10,000 tons month-on-month [1] - Short-term demand is in the off-season but shows resilience; however, inventory accumulation is pressuring zinc prices, with potential risks of warehouse squeezes [1] Nickel Market - Domestic news regarding anti-competitive practices is fluctuating, with macro sentiment cooling and hawkish Fed minutes [1] - Indonesian nickel ore premiums remain stable, with increased pure nickel supply and rising social inventories, leading to price fluctuations [1] - Global nickel inventories are at high levels, with stable supply and weak demand, indicating an oversupply of primary nickel; short-term operations should focus on selling opportunities while controlling risks [1]