Inflation Data - In August, the US CPI increased by 2.9% year-on-year (previous value 2.7%, expected 2.9%) and 0.4% month-on-month (previous value 0.2%, expected 0.3%) [7] - Core CPI remained stable at 3.1% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month, consistent with July's figures [7] - Energy inflation rose by 1.8 percentage points to 0.7% month-on-month, while food inflation increased by 0.4 percentage points to 0.5% [9] Core Goods and Services - Core goods CPI month-on-month growth increased from 0.2% to 0.3%, primarily driven by a rebound in used car prices, which rose from 0.5% to 1.0% [11] - Core services inflation remained stable, with rent inflation contributing significantly, although its sustainability is questioned [18] - The overall core services inflation maintained at 0.4% month-on-month [21] Employment and Market Sentiment - The initial jobless claims rose from 237,000 to 263,000, exceeding market expectations and marking the highest level since June 2023 [22] - Concerns over the labor market's deterioration are overshadowing inflation concerns, leading to a focus on employment risks [22] - The market continues to favor "rate cut trades," with a 90% probability of a Fed rate cut in September, October, and December [24]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve is expected to initiate a rate cut, which could positively impact global markets including stocks, bonds, commodities, and real estate [1] - This rate cut is different from previous ones due to complex economic data and political dynamics, with the Trump administration pushing for a more aggressive cut of 50 basis points [1][3] - Current economic indicators, such as weak non-farm payroll data and inflation concerns, suggest that a 25 basis point cut is a rational decision, but the government is seeking a more substantial reduction [3][5] Group 2 - The decision on the rate cut hinges on the voting power within the Federal Reserve, with three out of seven members already supporting a cut, and the focus is on securing one more vote [5] - The market sentiment is cautious about a 50 basis point cut, as it may signal economic recession, while a 25 basis point cut is viewed as a liquidity boost [5][7] - Historical precedents show that improper rate cuts can lead to inflation and economic downturns, making inflation data a critical factor in the Fed's decision-making process [7][9] Group 3 - If the U.S. GDP experiences consecutive months of negative growth, the Fed may opt for a more aggressive approach to stabilize the economy, which could include both rate cuts and balance sheet expansion [9] - The expansion of the Fed's balance sheet is seen as a necessary measure to provide liquidity directly to the market, especially in times of economic or financial distress [9][11] - The current political pressure on the Fed to cut rates and expand its balance sheet raises questions about how the market will respond to high liquidity and potential inflation risks [11]

Group 1 - Gold prices continued to rise, reaching a historical high with London spot gold closing at $3,643 per ounce, a week-on-week increase of 1.6%, while domestic AU9999 gold closed at 830 yuan per gram, up 2.3% week-on-week [1] - The U.S. inflation rate for August showed a mild increase, with the CPI year-on-year at 2.9%, matching expectations and slightly up from the previous value of 2.7%. The month-on-month CPI rose by 0.4%, slightly above the expected 0.3% [1] - The U.S. job market is showing signs of cooling, with initial jobless claims rising to 263,000, the highest in nearly four years, indicating pressure on consumer spending due to weak wage growth of only 0.7% year-on-year [1] Group 2 - The Federal Reserve is expected to restart interest rate cuts in September, which may benefit gold prices. Additionally, global geopolitical conflicts and high debt levels are raising concerns about U.S. government debt interest costs and the independence of the Federal Reserve [2] - Key signals to watch for gold ETFs include the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and Powell's statements, as well as U.S. retail data [2]

Report Industry Investment Ratings No clear overall industry investment ratings are provided in the report. However, specific ratings for some products are as follows: - Gold: Bullish [1] - Silver: Bullish [1] - Copper: Expected to be strong [1] - Aluminum: Expected to be strong [1] - Nickel: Short - term bullish, long - term bearish pressure exists [1] - Stainless steel: Short - term bullish, suggest short - term operation [1] - Tin: Expected to strengthen in shock [1] - Palm oil: Long - term bullish, short - term risk of correction [1] - Rapeseed oil: Suggest 11 - 1 positive spread strategy [1] - PTA: No clear rating, but downstream situation is positive [1] - Ethylene glycol: Bearish [1] Core Viewpoints - Market liquidity has weakened its driving force on stock index futures. With dense macro events this week, it is recommended to control risks in stock index futures positions and adjust for long - positions [1]. - Asset shortage and weak economy are beneficial for bond futures, but short - term central bank's interest rate risk warning suppresses the upward trend [1]. - The approaching Fed rate cut in September provides support for gold prices, which may run strongly at high levels in the short term [1]. - US CPI inflation data meets expectations, removing obstacles for the Fed rate cut. Along with the approaching consumption peak season, copper and aluminum prices are expected to be strong [1]. - For non - ferrous metals, the Fed rate cut expectation is rising, and the market is concerned about the fourth - quarter nickel ore quota approval in Indonesia. Different metals have different trends based on their fundamentals [1]. - For black metals, supply surplus pressure remains, and although there is marginal improvement in peak - season demand, prices are under pressure [1]. - For agricultural products, different products have different trends. For example, cotton supply may be tight in the short term, while sugar prices are expected to be weak in shock [1]. - For energy and chemical products, various factors such as device operation, supply and demand, and cost affect the price trends of different products [1]. Summary by Categories Macro - financial - Stock index futures: Control risks in positions and adjust for long - positions due to weakened liquidity driving force and dense macro events [1]. - Bond futures: Asset shortage and weak economy are beneficial, but short - term interest rate risk warning suppresses the upward trend [1]. Non - ferrous metals - Gold: Supported by the approaching Fed rate cut, may run strongly at high levels in the short term [1]. - Silver: Bullish [1]. - Copper: May be strong due to meeting inflation expectations and approaching consumption peak season [1]. - Aluminum: Expected to be strong with the Fed rate cut expectation and approaching consumption peak season [1]. - Alumina: Fundamentals are weak, but the price is close to the cost line, with limited downward space [1]. - Zinc: Narrow rebound due to improved macro sentiment but pressured by increasing social inventory [1]. - Nickel: Short - term shock and bullish, but long - term surplus pressure exists [1]. - Stainless steel: Short - term shock and bullish, wait for high - selling hedging opportunities [1]. - Tin: Expected to strengthen in shock with improved demand in the peak season [1]. Black metals - Rebar: Valuation returns to neutral, industry driving force is unclear, and macro driving force is warm, with a shock trend [1]. - Hot - rolled coil: Near - month contracts are restricted by production cuts, but far - month contracts have upward opportunities [1]. - Iron ore: Shock trend due to unfavorable short - term fundamentals [1]. - Glass: Supply surplus pressure exists, and prices are under pressure [1]. - Soda ash: Weak reality, supply surplus, and price pressure [1]. - Coal and coke: Fundamentals are weakening, with a shock and weakening trend [1]. Agricultural products - Palm oil: Short - term correction risk, long - term bullish, wait for callback to go long [1]. - Soybean: Pay attention to the adjustment of new - crop soybean yield per unit in the US, and the long - term bullish logic for oils in the fourth quarter remains [1]. - Rapeseed oil: Suggest 11 - 1 positive spread strategy [1]. - Cotton: Short - term supply may be tight, and the acquisition game during the new - cotton acquisition period is the focus [1]. - Sugar: Expected to be weak in shock, with limited short - term downward space [1]. - Corn: Expected to be weak in the short term due to negative news and new - grain selling pressure [1]. - Soybean meal: Maintains range - bound shock in the short term, and pay attention to Sino - US policy changes later [1]. - Pulp: The bottom range is initially shown, but there is no bullish driving force yet [1]. - Log: Weak shock due to unchanged fundamentals and falling external quotes [1]. - Live pigs: Supply continues to increase, downstream acceptance is limited, and the overall is weak [1]. Energy and chemical products - Crude oil: Affected by geopolitical situation, OPEC+ production increase plan, and Fed rate cut expectation [1]. - Fuel oil: Similar influencing factors as crude oil [1]. - Natural rubber: Supported by raw material cost and decreasing inventory [1]. - BR rubber: Pay attention to inventory de - stocking progress and autumn device maintenance [1]. - PTA: Production increases, basis declines rapidly, and downstream profits are repaired [1]. - Ethylene glycol: Basis strengthens, but new device production and hedging pressure exist [1]. - Short - fiber: Factory devices return, and market delivery willingness weakens [1]. - Pure benzene and styrene: Supply increases after maintenance, and domestic import pressure increases [1]. - PF: Price is weak in shock [1]. - PP: Market returns to fundamentals, with increasing supply pressure [1]. - PVC: Peak - season performance is not as expected, and inventory accumulates [1]. - Caustic soda: Weak in short - term shock [1]. - LPG: Suppressed by bearish fundamentals despite production increase [1]. Others - Container shipping: Supply in September exceeds the same - period level, and freight rates are declining [1].

Inflation Data - In August 2025, the U.S. CPI rose by 2.9% year-on-year, up from 2.7% in July, and a month-on-month increase of 0.4%, slightly above the expected 0.3%[6] - Core CPI remained stable at 3.1% year-on-year, with a month-on-month increase of 0.3%[6] Tariff Impact - The impact of tariffs on inflation is diminishing, with core goods inflation rising from 1.2% to 1.5% year-on-year, primarily driven by imported goods[6] - The cumulative price drop for all U.S. imports (excluding tariffs) was approximately 0.4% since March 2025, indicating that foreign exporters absorbed about 45% of the tariff costs[6] Economic Outlook - The trend of domestic inflation in the U.S. is expected to continue declining, with rent inflation dropping to 3.6% year-on-year from 3.7%[6] - If inflation rises moderately while the job market weakens, expectations for interest rate cuts are likely to strengthen, with a 92.7% probability of a 25 basis point cut in September 2025[6][18] Risks - Risks include a hard landing for the U.S. economy, a significant rebound in inflation, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts not meeting expectations[3]

Group 1: CPI Overview - The US CPI for August increased by 2.9% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month, aligning with expectations[1] - Core CPI rose by 3.1% year-on-year and 0.3% month-on-month, meeting forecasts[1] - The overall CPI growth rate is consistent with expectations, indicating a moderate transmission of tariffs on inflation[1] Group 2: Food and Energy Impact - Food prices increased by 0.5% month-on-month, with significant rises in tomatoes (4.5%), eggs (3.9%), coffee (3.6%), and apples (3.5%)[2] - Energy prices rose by 0.7% month-on-month, reversing a previous decline of -1.1%, driven by geopolitical tensions and increased summer travel demand[2] - Brent crude oil prices slightly decreased to $67.49 per barrel, indicating a stable outlook for oil prices despite recent fluctuations[2] Group 3: Market Reactions and Future Outlook - Following the CPI release, market expectations for rate cuts in September and October increased, with a projected 25 basis points reduction[1] - The upcoming FOMC meeting will focus on the potential for further rate cuts and the impact of employment data on inflation trends[3] - Concerns about long-term inflation risks remain, despite short-term pressures being manageable[3]

Report Industry Investment Ratings - **Bullish**: Gold, Copper, Aluminum, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Tin, Palm Oil (medium to long term), Other Oils (fourth quarter) [1] - **Bearish**: Anti -内卷 products, Black metals, Coke, Coking coal, Benzene ethylene [1] - **Sideways**: Treasury bonds, Silver, Alumina, Zinc, Industrial silicon, Carbonate lithium, Rebar, Hot - rolled coil, Iron ore, Pulp, Logs, Live pigs, Shanghai rubber, BR rubber, PTA, Ethylene glycol, Short - fiber, Big - three products, PE, PVC, LPG [1] Core Views - Short - term stock index futures discount widening and liquidity drive may offer long - position opportunities during short - term index adjustments; asset shortage and weak economy are favorable for bond futures, but short - term central bank interest - rate risk warnings suppress upward movement [1] - The approaching Fed rate cut in September provides support for gold prices, and the price may remain strong at high levels in the short term [1] - U.S. inflation data in line with expectations and the approaching consumption peak season may lead to stronger prices for copper, aluminum, and other non - ferrous metals, but factors such as inventory accumulation may put pressure on some metal prices [1] - For agricultural products, although short - term factors may cause price fluctuations, the long - term bullish logic for some oils remains unchanged [1] - In the energy and chemical sector, factors such as production resumption, production increase plans, and changes in supply and demand affect product prices, with some products facing downward pressure and others showing short - term adjustment risks [1] Summary by Industry Macro - finance - **Treasury bonds**: Asset shortage and weak economy are favorable, but short - term central bank interest - rate risk warnings suppress upward movement [1] Non - ferrous metals - **Gold**: The approaching Fed rate cut in September provides support, and it may remain strong at high levels in the short term [1] - **Copper**: U.S. inflation data in line with expectations and the approaching consumption peak season may lead to stronger prices [1] - **Aluminum**: Fed rate - cut expectations and the approaching consumption peak season are favorable, but high inventory may put pressure on prices [1] - **Alumina**: Output and inventory are increasing, but the price is close to the cost line, with limited downward space [1] - **Zinc**: Macro sentiment improvement supports the non - ferrous sector, but continuous inventory accumulation pressures zinc prices, with a narrow rebound [1] - **Nickel**: Short - term supply concerns and approaching stainless - steel peak season may lead to a short - term strong - side shock, but long - term primary nickel surplus pressure remains [1] - **Stainless steel**: Raw material price increases and inventory reduction, with short - term strong - side shock operation [1] - **Tin**: With improved macro sentiment and expected demand improvement in the peak season, the price is expected to strengthen in shock [1] Black metals - **Rebar, Hot - rolled coil, Iron ore**: Valuation returns to neutral, with unclear industrial drivers and warm macro drivers, showing a sideways trend [1] - **Anti -内卷 products**: Short - term fundamentals are not optimistic, with supply recovery, possible demand weakening, and high inventory [1] - **Coke, Coking coal**: Supply - demand imbalance, with supply surplus pressure and price under pressure [1] Agricultural products - **Palm oil**: MPOB report shows slight inventory accumulation, with short - term callback risk and long - term bullish logic [1] - **Other oils**: USDA report is neutral to bearish, but the fourth - quarter bullish logic remains unchanged [1] - **Cotton**: New - crop cotton has a high - yield expectation, with short - term supply tightness and acquisition game as the focus [1] - **Sugar**: New - sugar pre - sale price is lower, with limited short - term downward space and expected sideways - weak trend [1] - **Soybeans**: 9 - month USDA report is bearish, but the U.S. market is strong, with limited downward space for the domestic market and short - term sideways movement [1] Energy and chemicals - **Crude oil, Fuel oil**: Geopolitical tensions, OPEC+ production increase plan, and Fed rate - cut expectations coexist, with a loose fundamental situation [1] - **Shanghai rubber**: Raw material cost support is strong, but inventory reduction is slow and short - term market sentiment is weak [1] - **BR rubber**: Attention should be paid to inventory reduction progress and autumn device maintenance [1] - **PTA**: Domestic production recovers, the basis declines rapidly, and downstream polyester starts to operate at a high load [1] - **Ethylene glycol**: The basis strengthens, but new device production and increased hedging pressure the market [1] - **Short - fiber**: Factory devices return, and market delivery willingness weakens [1] - **Benzene ethylene**: Supply increases significantly, and domestic import pressure rises [1] - **Big - three products**: Limited upward space due to weak domestic demand, with cost - end support [1] - **PE, PVC**: Sideways - weak trend due to factors such as limited maintenance support and supply pressure [1] - **LPG**: Crude oil production increase and other factors suppress upward movement [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the recent cooling of U.S. employment data has reignited discussions about the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts, with a significant focus on the likelihood of a 25 basis point cut rather than a more aggressive 50 basis point cut [1][2][3] - In August, U.S. non-farm employment increased by only 22,000, and the non-farm employment figures for April 2024 to March 2025 were revised down by 911,000 [1] - The unemployment rate in August was 4.3%, indicating that while the job market is cooling, there is no evidence of large-scale layoffs or imminent recession [1][3] Group 2 - The inflation data, while not obstructing rate cuts, presents a potential rebound risk, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising by 2.9% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month in August [2] - Consumer long-term inflation expectations rose to 3.9% for September, marking the second consecutive month of increase [2] - The independence of the Federal Reserve is under scrutiny, and a hasty 50 basis point cut could lead to greater controversy and negatively impact the credibility of the dollar [3]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Gold: Volatile [1] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The price of gold continued to rise and hit a new high, driven by geopolitical risks and the strengthening expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut. The US inflation rebounded as expected, and the employment market continued to weaken. The divergence between hawks and doves at the upcoming Fed interest rate meeting is expected to increase. After the price of gold reached a record high, the game between bulls and bears intensified, and market volatility increased. Attention should be paid to the short - term correction risk [2][3][4] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Gold High - Frequency Data Weekly Changes - The domestic basis (spot - futures) was - 3.88 yuan/gram, with a weekly change rate of - 1.8%. The domestic - foreign futures price difference (domestic - foreign) was - 8.62 yuan/gram, with a weekly change rate of - 56.2%. The Shanghai Futures Exchange gold inventory increased by 22.2% to 52,950 kilograms, while the COMEX gold inventory decreased by 0.11% to 38,914,491 ounces. The SPDR ETF holding volume decreased by 0.73% to 974.80 tons, and the CFTC gold speculative net long position decreased by 1.4% to 166,417 lots. The US Treasury yield decreased by 1.0% to 4.06%, and the US 10 - year real interest rate decreased by 4.3% to 1.69% [11] 3.2 Financial Market - Related Data Tracking 3.2.1 US Financial Market - The US overnight secured financing rate was 4.41%. Oil prices rose 3.8%, and the US inflation expectation was 2.37%. The US dollar index fell 0.22% to 97.55, the 10 - year US Treasury yield was 4.06%, the S&P 500 index rose 1.59%, and the VIX index dropped to 14.76. The real interest rate dropped to 1.69%, and the gold price rose 1.6% [17][19][21] 3.2.2 Global Financial Markets - Stocks, Bonds, Currencies, and Commodities - Developed country stock markets mostly rose, with the S&P 500 rising 1.59%. Developing country stock markets also mostly rose, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising 1.52%. US Treasury bonds fell slightly, German bonds rose, and the US - Germany spread was 1.35%. The UK Treasury bond yield was 4.67%, and the Japanese bond yield was 1.59%. The euro appreciated 0.14%, the pound sterling appreciated 0.34%, the yen depreciated 0.17%, and the Swiss franc appreciated 0.18%. Non - US currencies mostly appreciated [22][26][28] 3.3 Gold Trading - Level Data Tracking - The gold speculative net long position slightly decreased to 166,000 lots, and the SPDR Gold ETF holding volume dropped to 974 tons. The RMB showed a volatile trend, and Shanghai gold remained at a discount. Gold and silver prices rose, and the gold - silver ratio dropped to 86.3 [32][35] 3.4 Weekly Economic Calendar - Monday: China's August social retail sales and industrial added value; Japan's market closed. Tuesday: US August retail sales and September NAHB housing index. Wednesday: US August new housing starts and building permits; Bank of Canada interest rate meeting decision. Thursday: Fed and Bank of England September interest rate meetings. Friday: Bank of Japan September interest rate meeting [36]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a high probability (over 90%) of a 25 basis point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting, driven by stable inflation data and rising unemployment claims [1][5][6]. Inflation Data - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August increased by 2.9% year-on-year, matching expectations and slightly up from the previous month's 2.7% [1]. - The core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 0.3% month-on-month, with a 12-month cumulative increase of 3.1%, indicating stable core inflation [4][6]. - Housing costs, which account for about one-third of the CPI, saw a month-on-month increase of 0.4%, the largest increase this year, with a year-on-year rise of 3.6% [4]. Unemployment Claims - Initial jobless claims surged to 263,000, the highest level since October 2021, indicating a cooling labor market and potential for increased layoffs [2][6]. - This rise in unemployment claims exceeds economists' expectations, suggesting a significant slowdown in hiring activity [6][7]. Economic Outlook - Recent economic indicators, including a weak non-farm payroll report showing only 22,000 jobs added in August, point towards a slowing U.S. economy [7]. - The Federal Reserve's focus may shift from inflation control to supporting employment and economic growth due to the dual signs of slowing job growth and rising layoffs [7]. Market Reactions - Following the CPI and unemployment claims data, U.S. Treasury yields fell, with the benchmark 10-year yield dropping to 4% [7]. - The stock market responded positively, with major indices reaching historical highs, reflecting investor optimism amid the anticipated rate cut [4]. Political Influence - Former President Trump has publicly criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, urging for immediate and significant interest rate cuts, which adds a layer of political pressure on the Fed [8].