Group 1 - The Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate target range from 4.25%-4.50% to 4.0%-4.25% [1] - The Fed's statement highlighted a slowdown in economic activity growth and a slight increase in the unemployment rate, although it remains at historically low levels [1] - The Fed aims to achieve full employment and maintain a long-term inflation rate of 2%, while acknowledging high uncertainty in the current economic outlook [2] Group 2 - The decision to lower interest rates was influenced by increased downside risks in the labor market, which were a significant consideration for the policy adjustment [1] - The Fed will continue to monitor a wide range of economic indicators, including labor market conditions and inflation pressures, to guide future monetary policy adjustments [2] - The recent rate cut was viewed by the market as a preemptive measure against weakening economic momentum, despite inflation remaining above target [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that the optimistic expectations for the Federal Reserve to initiate a rate cut have significantly driven up both the U.S. stock and bond markets, but the outcome of the upcoming meeting may serve as a critical turning point, potentially leading to new market volatility if the motivations behind the decision are questioned [1][3]. - Recent market data indicates that due to signs of weakness in the U.S. labor market, investors are betting on a 25 basis point rate cut this month, with expectations continuing into next year. This has led to a notable decline in the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield from nearly 5% in late May to around 4% [3][4]. - The total market capitalization of the stock market has increased by approximately $14 trillion since the end of last year, with traditional "60/40" stock-bond allocation strategies yielding substantial returns [3]. Group 2 - David Kelly expresses concerns regarding the core issue of the Federal Reserve's "motivation" for rate cuts, suggesting that if the decision is perceived as yielding to certain pressures rather than being based on independent economic judgment, it could introduce new uncertainties for the U.S. financial markets and the dollar [3][4]. - The report emphasizes that the independence and transparency of monetary policy decisions are crucial for maintaining market confidence, and any actions that lead market participants to doubt this independence could trigger new volatility [4]. - Other institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Oppenheimer Asset Management, share similar concerns, indicating that the record market rally may pause as the focus shifts from liquidity expectations to a reassessment of economic fundamentals [4].

Group 1 - The European Central Bank (ECB) does not need to further lower interest rates to achieve stable inflation levels, according to Christodoulos Patsalides, a member of the ECB Governing Council [1] - The ECB is currently in a favorable position, with inflation risks balanced, and the next adjustment of the benchmark interest rate is more likely to be an increase [1][3] - The ECB has maintained the deposit rate at 2% for two consecutive meetings, and there is a general consensus among investors and analysts that no further rate cuts will occur following eight reductions since June 2024 [1][3] Group 2 - The Eurozone economy faces risks from U.S. trade policies established during the Trump administration, which could lead to further measures from the U.S. in response to EU actions against Google [2] - Trade tensions create dual risks for inflation: demand suppression due to risk aversion could lower inflation, while supply chain disruptions could push prices up [2] - Patsalides believes that inflation risks are balanced, with the ECB's forecast indicating a consumer price index (CPI) increase of 1.7% next year and a slight decrease in inflation expectations for 2027 compared to previous forecasts [3][6] Group 3 - The ECB's forecast suggests that inflation will temporarily deviate from the 2% target in 2026 but is expected to rebound to 1.9% by 2027, indicating no long-term concerns about inflation falling below target levels [6] - Patsalides attributes the adjustments in forecast values to technical assumptions like exchange rates rather than fundamental changes, advocating for a stable policy approach without immediate action [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Trump campaign is accelerating its strategy regarding the Federal Reserve as the election approaches, focusing on potential candidates for the Fed chair position if Trump returns to the White House [2][9]. Group 1: Meeting Details - Scott Bessent, a former Treasury official and current economic advisor to Trump, hosted a private dinner with three former Fed officials to discuss potential successors for the Fed chair [2][3]. - The meeting shifted the discussion of potential Fed candidates from media speculation to a semi-public operation, with Bessent bringing a list of candidates including current Fed Governor Lael Brainard and former economic advisor Larry Kudlow [3]. Group 2: Candidate Perspectives - Lawrence Lindsey emphasized the need for the future Fed chair to establish accountability with Congress regarding inflation targets, suggesting a quantifiable approach to the 2% inflation goal [3][5]. - Kevin Warsh advocated for a strategic silence from the Fed, proposing a shift from forward guidance to data-triggered thresholds, while expressing cautious openness to returning to public office under specific conditions [4][8]. - James Bullard, known for his hawkish stance, proposed raising the long-term inflation target range to 2.5%-3% and suggested establishing a shadow FOMC to help the market digest policy differences [5][8]. Group 3: Candidate Recommendations - Lindsey supports Warsh for the Fed chair position due to his market trust and connections in Congress, while Warsh recommends Bullard for his academic authority and experience [6][7]. - Bullard suggests Lindsey as a candidate, arguing that an old-school hawk could quickly restore the Fed's credibility [7]. Group 4: Implications for the Market - The meeting's outcomes have led to immediate reactions in the market, with hedge fund managers adjusting their forecasts for interest rate cuts in late 2025 and the dollar index rising by 0.4% [9]. - Analysts warn that the meticulous preparation of Fed personnel by the Trump campaign could undermine the central bank's independence, making it a daily risk factor for traders [9]. Group 5: Next Steps - Bessent requested the three former officials to submit a joint memo by October 1, outlining an expanded candidate list, policy framework options, and key points for congressional hearings [8].

Group 1 - Deloitte predicts that U.S. retail sales growth during the winter holiday season will hit a new low since the pandemic, with expected growth of 2.9-3.4%, significantly lower than last year's 4.2% due to economic uncertainty, inflation, and trade policies [1] - The European Central Bank (ECB) has a 60% probability of a final 25 basis point rate cut in December, contingent on a more severe slowdown in the labor market and inflation falling significantly below targets due to declining energy prices and a stronger euro [1] - Danske Bank analysts highlight that the U.S. August PPI will be closely watched as it precedes the August CPI release and may provide early clues on the accumulation of tariff-related costs [2] Group 2 - InTouch Capital Markets analysts suggest that a 50 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve would require core inflation data to be significantly below expectations, but the likelihood of a large cut remains low due to sticky service prices and the Fed's gradual policy approach [2] - City Index strategists warn that a 50 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve could potentially harm market confidence more than it would benefit, indicating that the Fed is likely to avoid appearing to yield to political pressure [2] - Leuthold Group strategists argue that the Fed's 2% inflation target should be viewed as a reference point rather than a strict constraint, noting that a slightly higher inflation rate could coexist with stable growth [3]

Group 1 - Despite inflation hovering around 3%, the market widely expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next week, raising questions about the feasibility of the 2% inflation target [1][2] - The core CPI is projected to rise to 3.1% year-on-year in August, up from 2.9% in July, making a policy easing at such inflation levels a rare occurrence [1][2] - Historical context shows that the last time the Fed eased policy with core PCE inflation at 3% was in the early 1990s, indicating a significant shift in economic norms [1] Group 2 - Hawkish concerns about inflation persist, especially with U.S. federal debt and deficits at historical highs, yet financial markets appear relatively unconcerned [2] - Gold prices have surged nearly 40% this year, reflecting some inflation worries, but overall market sentiment does not seem overly anxious about the Fed's 2% target [2] - The yield curve for 2-year and 30-year U.S. Treasuries has steepened by about 70 basis points this year, indicating market dynamics that may not align with traditional inflation fears [2] Group 3 - Consumer inflation expectations have shifted, with the New York Fed reporting a rise in one-year inflation expectations to 3.2%, suggesting that 3% may be replacing 2% as the new target [3] - Surveys indicate that consumers' long-term inflation expectations are stabilizing around 3%, with political influences potentially pushing for a higher target [3] Group 4 - Some analysts argue that the focus on exceeding the 2% inflation target may be misguided, citing that the average CPI over the past two years has been 2.9% [4] - Historical comparisons suggest that a 2% inflation target may no longer be relevant, with calls for a more pragmatic approach to monetary policy [4] - If inflation data reaches 3% and the Fed cuts rates, it could signal a significant shift in monetary policy direction [4]

Group 1 - The U.S. labor market showed signs of further cooling, with non-farm payrolls increasing by only 22,000 in August, significantly below the market expectation of 80,000 [1] - The unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points to 4.3%, the highest level since November 2021, indicating a potential shift in the labor market dynamics [1][3] - Manufacturing jobs have been particularly affected, with a loss of 12,000 jobs in August and a total decline of 42,000 jobs from May to August, attributed to tariff uncertainties [3][4] Group 2 - Analysts predict a high probability (89%) of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, with some suggesting a possibility of a 50 basis point cut due to the weak employment data [1][5] - The labor market's deterioration may lead the Federal Reserve to prioritize labor market stability over inflation targets, as indicated by the comments from analysts [1][5] - The healthcare and leisure sectors showed resilience, while manufacturing, construction, and federal government jobs continued to decline, reflecting broader demand-side weaknesses [4] Group 3 - The market consensus leans towards a 25 basis point cut, but there is debate over the extent of the cut, with some analysts arguing for a larger reduction due to the disappointing employment figures [5][6] - The potential for a more dovish Federal Reserve is influenced by ongoing political maneuvers, including the appointment of more dovish members to the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) [6]

Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the content. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the financial derivatives market, A - shares are in a high - level shock pattern, and bonds are affected by multiple factors with limited adjustment expectations. Precious metals are driven by political instability in Europe and the United States and are expected to rise. The shipping market is expected to fluctuate, and the metal and agricultural product markets have different trends based on supply - demand and macro - factors [2][5][8][13][15][55] - In the commodity futures market, different metals have different trends. For example, copper prices are expected to be affected by interest - rate cut expectations, while aluminum prices are affected by macro - expectations and fundamental improvements. Agricultural products such as soymeal and pork also have their own market characteristics [15][22][55] Summary by Directory Financial Derivatives Financial Futures - **Stock Index Futures**: On Tuesday, A - shares fell, with the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.45%. The four major stock index futures contracts mostly declined. Domestic and overseas news affected the market. A - share trading volume remained high, and the central bank conducted reverse repurchase operations with a net withdrawal of funds. It is recommended to wait and see [2][3][4] - **Treasury Bond Futures**: Treasury bond futures fell across the board. The central bank's reverse repurchase operations led to a net withdrawal of funds, but the overall liquidity was stable. The bond market was weak due to multiple factors. It is recommended to observe the stock market trend and institutional behavior. The 10 - year Treasury bond interest rate is expected to fluctuate in the range of 1.75% - 1.8% [5][6][7] Precious Metals - Gold prices reached a new high due to political instability in Europe and the United States, with a 1.65% increase. Silver prices also rose slightly. In the future, the price of gold is expected to rise above $3600, and silver may rise above $42, but there are risks [8][10][12] Container Shipping on European Routes - Spot prices are falling, and shipping indices show different trends. The global container capacity has increased, and the futures market rebounded. It is expected to fluctuate, and 12 - 10 spread arbitrage can be considered [13][14] Commodity Futures Non - ferrous Metals - **Copper**: The spot price increased, and the macro - level interest - rate cut expectation improved. Supply was affected by various factors, and demand had certain resilience. The copper price is expected to be volatile, with the main contract reference range of 78500 - 81000 yuan/ton [15][17][19] - **Alumina**: The spot price decreased, supply increased, and inventory accumulated. The market is expected to be in a weak shock, with the main contract reference range of 2900 - 3200 yuan/ton [19][20][21] - **Aluminum**: The spot price increased, supply was at a high level, demand improved marginally, and inventory was at a low level year - on - year. It is expected to be in a wide - range shock, with the main contract reference range of 20400 - 21000 yuan/ton [22][23] - **Aluminum Alloy**: The spot price was stable, supply was affected by the off - season, demand was weak, and the price difference with aluminum was expected to narrow. It is expected to be in a shock - upward trend, with the main contract reference range of 20000 - 20600 yuan/ton [24][25] - **Zinc**: The spot price increased, supply was loose, demand was about to enter the peak season, and inventory showed different trends at home and abroad. It is expected to be in a shock, with the main contract reference range of 21500 - 23000 yuan/ton [26][27][28] - **Tin**: The spot price increased, supply was tight, demand was weak, and inventory showed different trends. It is expected to be in a wide - range shock, and it is recommended to wait and see [28][29][30] - **Nickel**: The spot price was stable, supply was at a high level, demand was different in different fields, and inventory was at a high level overseas and decreased at home. It is expected to be in an interval adjustment, with the main contract reference range of 118000 - 126000 yuan/ton [31][32][33] - **Stainless Steel**: The spot price increased, raw material prices were firm, supply was expected to increase, and demand was weak. It is expected to be in an interval shock, with the main contract reference range of 12600 - 13400 yuan/ton [34][35][36] - **Lithium Carbonate**: The spot price decreased, supply was in a tight balance, demand was optimistic, and inventory decreased slightly. It is expected to be in a weak wide - range shock, and it is recommended to wait and see [37][39][40] Ferrous Metals - **Steel**: The price showed signs of stabilizing. The cost support was expected to weaken, supply was at a high level, demand was in a seasonal decline and was expected to recover. It is recommended to sell out - of - the - money put options and do long on the ratio of steel to iron ore [40][41][44] - **Iron Ore**: The spot price increased, the futures price fluctuated, the supply increased, the demand was affected by steel production, and the inventory showed different trends. It is expected to be in a shock, with the reference range of 750 - 810 yuan/ton, and it is recommended to do long on iron ore and short on coking coal [47][48] - **Coking Coal**: The spot price was in a weak shock, supply was affected by mine accidents and production suspension, demand decreased due to production restrictions, and inventory was in a marginal decline. It is recommended to hold previous short positions and do long on iron ore and short on coking coal [49][50][51] - **Coke**: The seventh price increase was implemented, and the eighth one was blocked. Supply decreased due to production restrictions, demand decreased slightly, and inventory increased slightly. It is recommended to hold previous short positions and do long on iron ore and short on coke [52][53][54] Agricultural Products - **Meal**: The spot price of soybean meal decreased, and the market was affected by various news. In the long - term, it is expected to be bullish. It is recommended to go long at a low level when the price stabilizes in the range of 3000 - 3050 yuan/ton [55][56][57] - **Pig**: The spot price fluctuated, and the short - term supply contraction boosted the price. It is recommended to pay attention to the subsequent slaughter rhythm and be cautious in operation [58][59] - **Corn**: The spot price was stable in some areas and increased in ports. The inventory in Guangzhou Port showed different trends. The price rebounded and adjusted [60]

Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the content. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Gold prices are expected to be volatile and stronger in the short - term, fluctuate at high levels in the medium - term, and rise in a stepped manner in the long - term. The core logic includes increased short - term risk - aversion due to concerns about the Fed's independence and rising stagflation risks in the US economy, along with a rebound in Fed rate - cut expectations. Gold's risk - aversion, monetary, and commodity attributes also support these trends [1]. - The trend of gold prices serves as an anchor for silver prices. Currently, there is a slight reduction in CFTC silver net - long positions and iShare silver ETF holdings in terms of capital, and a slight increase in silver's visible inventory [5]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Gold - **Market Performance**: Today, precious metals were volatile and stronger, with the main Shanghai gold contract closing up 1.21%. The market now expects the probability of a Fed rate cut in September to have soared from around 40% before the non - farm payrolls report to over 90%, and the expected number of rate cuts this year has increased from 1 to 2 - 3 times [1]. - **Strategy**: Conservative investors are advised to wait and see, while aggressive investors can buy low and sell high. Good position management and strict stop - loss and take - profit are recommended [2]. - **Related Data**: - **Price**: Comex gold's main contract closed at $3516.10 per ounce, up $105.40 (3.09%) from last week; London gold was at $3474.90 per ounce, up $140.65 (4.22%) from last week. Shanghai gold's main contract closed at 804.32 yuan per gram, up 2.97% from last week [2]. - **Basis, Spread, and Ratio**: The spread between Shanghai gold's main contract and London gold was - 5.96 yuan per gram, down 25% from last week; the gold - silver ratio (London gold/London silver) was 85.64, down 2.38% from last week [2]. - **Position and Inventory**: Comex gold positions were 443,760 lots, down 0.54% from last week; Shanghai gold's main contract positions were 138,624 lots, down 20.60% from last week. LBMA gold inventory was 8,598 tons, unchanged from last week [2]. - **Net Positions of Futures Companies**: Among the top 10 net - long positions of Shanghai gold futures companies on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, the top 5 totaled 120,616 lots, an increase of 624 lots; the top 10 totaled 155,263 lots, an increase of 1,298 lots. Among the top 10 net - short positions, the top 5 totaled 13,767 lots, a decrease of 550 lots; the top 10 totaled 21,190 lots, a decrease of 672 lots [3]. Silver - **Strategy**: Similar to gold, conservative investors should wait and see, and aggressive investors can buy low and sell high. Position management and stop - loss/take - profit are crucial [6]. - **Related Data**: - **Price**: Comex silver's main contract closed at $40.75 per ounce, up $2.20 (5.71%) from last week; London silver was at $40.58 per ounce, up $2.57 (6.76%) from last week. Shanghai silver's main contract closed at 9,824 yuan per kilogram, up 5.02% from last week [6]. - **Basis and Spread**: The spread between Shanghai silver's main contract and London silver was 525.93 yuan per gram, down 13.70% from last week; the basis of Shanghai silver's main contract was - 24 yuan per kilogram [6]. - **Position and Inventory**: Comex silver positions were 158,630 lots, up 0.10% from last week; Shanghai silver's main contract positions were 4,961,835 lots, up 8.88% from last week. The total visible inventory was 42,794 tons, up 0.90% from last week [6]. - **Net Positions of Futures Companies**: Among the top 10 net - long positions of Shanghai silver futures companies on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, the top 5 totaled 115,138 lots, a decrease of 681 lots; the top 10 totaled 159,406 lots, an increase of 610 lots. Among the top 10 net - short positions, the top 5 totaled 49,270 lots, a decrease of 354 lots; the top 10 totaled 82,445 lots, an increase of 758 lots [7]. Fundamental Key Data - **Fed Data**: The upper limit of the federal funds target rate is 4.50%, down 0.25 percentage points from last time; the Fed's total assets are $6,654.234 billion, down $1.5239 billion from last time [8]. - **Economic Data**: The 10 - year US Treasury real yield is 2.54%, unchanged; the US dollar index is 97.70, down 0.52% from last week; the inflation data shows that the year - on - year CPI is 2.70%, unchanged; the unemployment rate is 4.20%, up 0.10 percentage points from last time [8][11]. - **Central Bank Gold Reserves**: China's central bank gold reserves are 2,300.41 tons, up 0.08% from last time; the US's are 8,133.46 tons, unchanged; the world's are 36,268.07 tons, unchanged [11][12]. - **Fed Rate Expectations**: According to the CME FedWatch tool, the probability of a rate cut in September 2025 is over 89.8%, and the probability distribution of rate cuts in subsequent meetings is also provided [13].

Group 1: Economic Indicators - The latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year in July, indicating persistent inflationary pressure[4] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) surged by 0.9% month-on-month, reaching a three-year high with a year-on-year increase of 3.3%[4] - Non-farm payrolls added only 73,000 jobs in July, significantly below expectations, with an average of 35,000 jobs added over the past three months, down from 168,000 per month in 2024[4][5] Group 2: Powell's Key Points - Powell acknowledged the significant slowdown in the labor market, emphasizing that the downward pressure on employment could lead to increased layoffs and rising unemployment rates[5] - He highlighted that tariffs have pushed up prices for certain goods, with the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rising by 2.9% year-on-year as of July 2025[6] - Powell indicated that the balance of risks is shifting, suggesting that the Fed may prioritize supporting the labor market over solely focusing on inflation control[10] Group 3: Market Reactions - The bond market showed limited movement despite Powell's potential rate cut signals, possibly due to government intervention using tariff revenues to stabilize bond prices[11] - In contrast, the stock market reacted positively, with major indices rising significantly, particularly technology and growth stocks, reflecting investor optimism about liquidity support from the Fed[12] - The divergence in market reactions highlights differing expectations regarding future economic scenarios, with bond investors concerned about long-term inflation risks while stock investors focus on short-term liquidity improvements[16] Group 4: Implications for China - China should maintain ample macro policy space to respond to external shocks, given the rising uncertainty in US economic policies and global financial conditions[19] - Emphasis on expanding domestic demand is crucial for reducing reliance on external markets, which includes income distribution reforms and increased investment in new infrastructure and technology[20] - Strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international financial center can attract global capital and support technology financing, enhancing China's economic resilience[21]