Geopolitical Tensions and Market Impact - The Israeli airstrike on Hamas in Qatar has escalated geopolitical tensions, surprising the U.S. and potentially undermining normalization efforts with Gulf Arab nations [1] - The airstrike may have ended Qatar's role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations, with other countries like Turkey being put on high alert [1] - Poland's downing of Russian drones has led to heightened tensions, with Poland seeking NATO consultations, which could draw NATO into direct conflict with Russia [3] Precious Metals Market Dynamics - Comex gold futures reached a record high of $3,715.20 per ounce, while silver hit a 14-year high of $42.355 per ounce, driven by geopolitical instability [4] - Increased instability in the Middle East is expected to drive safe-haven demand for precious metals [5] - Major central banks are leaning towards easier monetary policies, with the U.S. jobs growth numbers revised down by 911,000, potentially affecting consumer confidence [6][7] Strategic Mineral Stockpiling - Countries are rushing to stockpile key minerals, with China leading in strategic mineral dominance, prompting other nations to follow suit [10] - The U.S. has initiatives to invest in domestic rare earth mining and processing to reduce dependence on China, while the EU has established a strategic stockpiling program [11] - The trend of stockpiling strategic minerals is likely to continue, positioning both the U.S. and China as major competitors in the rare-earth minerals market, which is bullish for precious metals [12]

Core Insights - Gold and crude oil prices continued to rise on Wednesday, indicating a bullish trend in these commodities [1] - Copper prices remained stable, showing little change from the previous close, suggesting a lack of volatility in this market [1] - Silver prices experienced a significant increase of over 1%, reflecting heightened investor interest in precious metals [1]

Market Overview - Gold prices reached a high of $3508.92 per ounce, reflecting a strong upward trend amid expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September [3][4] - The current gold price is quoted at $3497.71, indicating a high volatility environment with significant fluctuations [1] Fundamental Analysis - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessenet mentioned that several candidates for the Federal Reserve Chair are also potential nominees for the vacant positions on the central bank's board [1] - President Trump criticized India for proposing to reduce tariffs to zero after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Indian oil purchases from Russia, stating it was too late for such negotiations [2] Technical Analysis - The gold market is showing a strong bullish trend, with key resistance levels at $3505 and $3530, while support levels are identified at $3490, $3480, and $3452 [8] - A potential strategy includes short positions near $3515 with a stop loss at $3525 and targets at $3500 and $3490, as well as aggressive long positions near $3470 with a stop loss at $3465 and targets at $3485 and $3500 [8] Economic Data and Events - Key economic data to watch includes the Eurozone's August CPI and the U.S. manufacturing PMI reports scheduled for release on September 2, 2025 [8]

Group 1 - The market is increasingly betting on a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, which is driving funds towards non-yielding gold [1][3] - Uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs and escalating geopolitical tensions are supporting safe-haven gold [1][3] - Despite a mild rebound in the dollar, these supportive factors for gold have largely offset any negative impacts [3] Group 2 - Gold prices have continued to rise for six consecutive days, reaching a historical high and breaking the psychological barrier of $3,500 per ounce [1] - Short-term charts indicate an extremely overbought condition, suggesting that gold bulls should exercise caution before further positioning for an increase [3] - Important U.S. macroeconomic data, including the non-farm payroll report, is set to be released this week, leading investors to potentially adopt a wait-and-see approach [3]

Core Viewpoint - The interest in gold remains strong amid rising bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, supported by uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs, concerns over the Fed's independence, and geopolitical tensions [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold prices have continued to rise for six consecutive days, reaching a historic high and surpassing the psychological barrier of $3,500 per ounce [1] - The expectation of a Federal Reserve rate cut this month is a key factor driving funds towards non-yielding gold [1] - The uncertainties related to U.S. tariffs and escalating geopolitical tensions are additional factors supporting safe-haven gold [1] Group 2: Economic Indicators - The slight rebound of the U.S. dollar has had minimal impact on the upward momentum of gold prices [1] - Short-term charts indicate an extremely overbought condition, suggesting that gold bulls should exercise caution before further positioning for an increase [1] - Upcoming releases of significant U.S. macroeconomic data, including the non-farm payroll report, may lead investors to adopt a wait-and-see approach [1]

Core Viewpoint - Gold futures continue to rise, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts and geopolitical tensions, reaching a trading level around $3,547 per ounce, with a peak of $3,557.10 per ounce during the day [1] Group 1: Economic Factors - The macroeconomic and geopolitical news is favorable for precious metals, with reports indicating that India is actively selling U.S. government bonds while increasing its gold reserves [1] - The market's anticipation of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September has intensified, contributing to the bullish sentiment in gold [1] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - The lack of progress in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine has further fueled demand for safe-haven assets like gold [1] Group 3: Investment Caution - Investors are advised to remain cautious during this gold rally, as historical peaks often trigger significant profit-taking, similar to the situation observed in April of this year [1]

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have risen above $3,400, reaching a new monthly high, driven by a combination of dovish Federal Reserve expectations and escalating geopolitical tensions [1][3]. Group 1: Market Trends - Gold (XAU/USD) has maintained a bullish momentum, climbing to its highest level since late July, surpassing $3,400 [2]. - The upcoming U.S. macroeconomic data, including business activity and employment figures, may influence market perceptions of Federal Reserve policy and drive short-term movements in XAU/USD [2][5]. Group 2: Economic Influences - The U.S. dollar (USD) experienced a rebound after a significant drop, but concerns regarding the independence of the Federal Reserve have limited its ability to sustain gains [3]. - The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) revised the second quarter GDP growth rate from an initial estimate of 3% to 3.3%, providing some support to the dollar [4]. - The annual inflation rate in the U.S. remained at 2.6% in July, with the core PCE price index rising to 2.9%, aligning with analyst expectations [4]. Group 3: Upcoming Data and Expectations - Investors are focusing on upcoming U.S. PMI and NFP data, with expectations for a slight improvement in the manufacturing PMI for August [5]. - The market currently anticipates an 85% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, indicating limited downside for the dollar even if the NFP data is disappointing [5]. - If NFP growth exceeds expectations and the unemployment rate remains at 4.2%, market participants may lean towards two rate cuts this year, potentially leading to a bearish trend for XAU/USD [6].

Group 1 - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that global financing is shifting from regulated banks to private markets, complicating the ability of authorities to monitor and address potential financial stability risks [1] - The RBA's responsibilities include maintaining financial stability and chairing the Financial Regulatory Agency Committee, which aims to identify and address vulnerabilities [1] - The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has outlined key areas of focus, including insider trading and systemic compliance failures among large financial institutions [1] Group 2 - There is a growing allocation of funds, particularly from pension funds, towards private equity, credit, and physical assets, reshaping capital formation in Australia [1] - Regulatory concerns are particularly heightened regarding risks in the real estate sector, where private credit companies have expanded significantly [1] - The ASIC commissioner highlighted that unchecked private credit involvement in real estate could lead to systemic shocks [1] Group 3 - The RBA emphasizes that trade policy settings and geopolitical tensions may impact global and domestic growth and inflation outcomes [2] - These factors create uncertainty that could dampen business and consumer sentiment, prompting adjustments in trade patterns and supply chains [2] - In extreme cases, these factors may pose risks to financial stability [2]

Core Viewpoint - Venezuela's President Maduro claims the country is facing direct threats from nuclear submarines, emphasizing the need to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign threats [1] Group 1: Geopolitical Context - Maduro attributes the geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean and Latin America to actions initiated by the United States [1] - The Venezuelan government asserts that it will not be intimidated by external forces, highlighting that the region has never faced threats from nuclear submarines before [1] Group 2: International Support - Venezuela has received global support, with multiple countries showing solidarity, indicating recognition of Venezuela on the international stage [1] - Any attempts to intimidate Venezuela that could jeopardize regional peace and stability will be opposed [1] Group 3: U.S. Military Movements - Reports indicate that U.S. President Trump has deployed an amphibious squadron to the Caribbean near Venezuela under the pretext of combating drug trafficking in Latin America [1] - The deployment includes approximately 4,500 military personnel, with 2,200 being Marines [1]

Group 1 - The company expects a net profit attributable to shareholders of approximately HKD 6 million for the six months ending June 30, 2025, a decrease of about 82% compared to HKD 34 million for the same period in 2024 [1] - The significant decline in profit is attributed to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and international trade disputes, which have created challenges for the global economy [1] - The spread of rumors regarding a large-scale earthquake in Japan in July 2025 has led to a sharp decline in tourism demand for Japan, despite its popularity among Hong Kong residents [1] Group 2 - The company anticipates a gradual recovery in the number of tourists traveling from Hong Kong to Japan in the coming months, following the confirmation that the earthquake rumors were unfounded [2] - The hotel business is expected to continue performing well, contributing positively to the company's overall outlook [2] - The management holds an optimistic view regarding the improvement of tourism-related business in the second half of 2025 [2]