Core Insights - The share of the US dollar in global foreign exchange reserves has dropped to 56.32%, the lowest in nearly 30 years, and has not exceeded 60% for eleven consecutive quarters [1][3] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) attributes this decline primarily to exchange rate fluctuations, stating that the actual drop in dollar share is only 0.13 percentage points when adjusted for these factors [3] - There is a significant shift in investment strategies, with central banks reducing their purchases of US long-term securities by 94% in the second quarter, and instead opting to buy US stocks [5][10] Investment Trends - The US stock market has rebounded by 11% in the second quarter, contributing an estimated $189.4 billion in valuation gains to global dollar reserves [5] - Central banks are increasingly favoring gold, with global official gold reserves surpassing US Treasury holdings for the first time, reaching $3.86 trillion, which accounts for 23.56% of total global reserves [13] - The demand for gold has hit record levels, with purchases exceeding the average of the past decade by 41% [13] Currency Dynamics - The share of "other currencies" in global reserves has increased by 1.42 percentage points since 2022, indicating a trend of countries bypassing the dollar in trade settlements [16][20] - The Chinese yuan has gained prominence, becoming the fourth largest payment currency globally, with over 80 countries including it in their foreign exchange reserves [20] - The ongoing trend of "de-dollarization" is reshaping the global financial landscape, moving towards a more diversified currency system [21][23] Future Outlook - The shift from a dollar-dominated system to a multi-currency framework is expected to enhance flexibility and stability in the global economy [23] - The process of transitioning away from dollar reliance will be gradual, but the trend towards a diversified monetary system is becoming increasingly clear [23]

Core Viewpoint - The acceleration of global central banks' "de-dollarization" is leading to a structural change in the international monetary system, with an increasing share of gold in foreign exchange reserves over the past 15 years [1][2]. Group 1: Central Bank Actions - Global central banks are significantly increasing their gold reserves, providing strong structural support for gold prices. By the second quarter of 2025, the share of the US dollar in global foreign exchange reserves is expected to drop to 56.32%, the lowest since 1995 [1][2]. - One-third of the 75 central banks managing $5 trillion in assets plan to increase their gold reserves in the next 1-2 years, marking a five-year high [1][2]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The recent surge in gold prices is not solely driven by market sentiment but is a result of long-term adjustments in monetary reserve structures by global central banks [2]. - The demand for gold from central banks has exceeded 1,000 tons for two consecutive years, providing a structural floor for gold prices [2]. Group 3: Geopolitical and Economic Factors - The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the US's internal "de-globalization" trends are reshaping the pricing logic of gold, transitioning from market-driven pricing to a focus on national sovereign reserve currency pricing [3][4]. - The decline in the US dollar index, which has dropped nearly 10% since 2025, is correlated with the rise in gold prices, as the weakening dollar makes gold more attractive to holders of other currencies [4]. Group 4: Investment Trends - Institutional investors are increasingly accumulating gold, with North American and European markets leading in gold ETFs [4]. - The expectation of a new round of monetary easing by the Federal Reserve, with a 98.3% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in October, is lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold, further driving investment into the gold market [4]. Group 5: Currency Reallocation - The rise of the renminbi as a potential asset class is highlighted, with 30% of global central banks planning to increase their allocation to renminbi assets, which may rise to 6% in foreign exchange reserves [6]. - The structural transformation of the renminbi's exchange rate is supported by improvements in China's manufacturing sector, particularly in high-value-added industries [6].

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has announced its first interest rate cut of the year, lowering the target range from 4.25%-4.50% to 4.00%-4.25%, marking a total reduction of 125 basis points since the easing cycle began in September 2024 [1][2] Group 1: Federal Reserve's Rate Cut Decision - The decision reflects a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic indicators, with signs of a slowing labor market and a projected unemployment rate of 4.5% [3][4] - The expected PCE inflation rate for 2025 is 3.0%, indicating a downward trend, which provides space for monetary policy adjustment [3][10] - The median projection for the federal funds rate by the end of 2025 is 3.6%, suggesting further rate cuts are anticipated [4][6] Group 2: Economic Forecast Adjustments - GDP growth expectations have been revised upward, with 2025 projected at 1.6% and 2026 at 1.8%, indicating resilience in the U.S. economy despite global slowdowns [8][9] - Unemployment rate forecasts remain stable, with a slight decrease expected in 2026 [9] - Inflation expectations for 2026 have been adjusted, with PCE inflation projected at 2.6% [10] Group 3: Global Financial Market Impacts - The rate cut is expected to improve short-term liquidity in global capital markets while prompting structural adjustments in the medium to long term [11] - Commodity markets are undergoing significant price re-evaluations, influenced by lower financing costs and improved demand expectations [12][13] - The capital flow dynamics are shifting, with a potential increase in investments in emerging markets as U.S. dollar assets become less attractive [14][18] Group 4: Future Trends in Global Monetary Policy - The rate cut opens opportunities for enhanced policy coordination among major economies, potentially leading to a new round of global financial governance [16][17] - Emerging markets may benefit from increased capital inflows, but they must also manage the risks of asset bubbles and financial vulnerabilities [18][19] - The international monetary system is likely to undergo significant changes, with a potential decline in the dollar's dominance and an increase in the roles of other currencies [20][22]

Group 1: Zinc Market Overview - Zinc prices have entered a downward trend due to a relaxed supply side and disappointing demand expectations in the U.S. macroeconomic environment [1] - The U.S. tariff policy adjustments under the Trump administration are expected to lead to a long-term decline in the dollar, which will positively impact zinc prices [2] - Domestic zinc concentrate production has slightly decreased year-on-year due to declining ore grades, with future increases expected to be limited [3] Group 2: Supply Dynamics - Overseas mining production is anticipated to recover in the medium to long term, despite recent reductions due to weather and maintenance issues [2] - Domestic zinc smelting output is expected to increase year-on-year, but the growth potential remains limited due to reduced imports from overseas smelters [3] - The overall supply of zinc ore is expected to continue growing, but the year-on-year increase will be relatively modest [2][3] Group 3: Demand Factors - Weak demand is observed in the construction sector, with significant declines in operating rates for cement and asphalt facilities [4] - The real estate sector is experiencing a downturn, with new construction and completion areas showing a year-on-year decline [4] - The automotive sector is seeing growth driven by trade-in policies and promotions, which may support zinc demand in the medium to long term [4] Group 4: Price Outlook - The combination of a declining dollar and resilient macro data is expected to provide some support for zinc prices [5] - However, the ongoing increase in supply coupled with weak demand will lead to a more relaxed supply-demand structure, potentially putting downward pressure on prices [5] - The expected price range for zinc may shift downward, but the space for decline is expected to be narrower than before due to limited supply growth and macroeconomic support [5]

Core Viewpoint - The report emphasizes the need for China to promote a diversified, equitable, and stable international monetary system in response to rising uncertainties in the current international monetary framework, highlighting the dual trends of fragmentation and diversification [1] Group 1: International Monetary System - The current international monetary system is experiencing increased uncertainty, with the U.S. dollar's dominance unlikely to collapse in the short term, but future developments may lead to a more fragmented and diversified system [1] - China should push for the diversification of reserve currencies to enhance the safety of foreign exchange reserves and cautiously advance the internationalization of the Renminbi [1] Group 2: U.S. Treasury Bonds - In March 2025, China reduced its holdings of U.S. Treasury bonds by $18.9 billion, bringing its total holdings down to $765.4 billion, thus falling from the second-largest to the third-largest holder [2] - The report suggests optimizing the strategy for holding U.S. Treasury bonds by flexibly adjusting the duration and constructing a diversified reserve system to enhance economic and financial resilience [2] Group 3: Renminbi Internationalization - The report identifies the internationalization of the Renminbi as a crucial direction, focusing on countries along the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP regions [2] - It recommends increasing the use of the Renminbi in trade settlements and investment activities in neighboring countries to enhance its acceptance and influence [2] Group 4: Stablecoins - The global stablecoin market is experiencing significant growth, particularly with U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins extending their influence into traditional finance [3] - The report advocates for China to recognize and respond to this trend by exploring stablecoin applications through regulatory sandboxes and enhancing research in this area [3] Group 5: Regional Financial Cooperation - The report calls for the establishment of a regional financial safety net and strengthening financial cooperation with neighboring partners such as ASEAN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [3] - It emphasizes the need for a robust internal financial risk prevention system, including macro-prudential management frameworks and monitoring of cross-border capital flows [3]

Core Viewpoint - The international monetary system is gradually diversifying, with a significant decline in the influence of the US dollar expected within the next decade. The internationalization of the Renminbi and the rise of digital currencies will be key drivers in reshaping the global financial landscape [1]. Group 1 - Renminbi internationalization is predicted to play an important role in the transformation of the global financial system [1]. - The influence of the US dollar is expected to decrease significantly in the next ten years [1]. - The emergence of digital currencies is identified as a crucial factor in the evolution of the international monetary system [1].

Group 1 - The overall lead price has shown a trend of rising and then falling this year, primarily due to the seasonal transition between peak and off-peak demand periods [2] - Strong downstream demand during the lead-acid battery replacement peak season around the Spring Festival has supported lead prices, alongside fluctuating US tariff policies and environmental production restrictions [2] - After April, macroeconomic factors, including unexpected US tariff policies, have dampened market confidence, leading to a decline in lead prices as downstream demand enters the off-peak season [2] Group 2 - The recent downtrend in the US dollar is beneficial for the non-ferrous metal sector, as historical data indicates that metal prices tend to rise during dollar down cycles [3] - The current US government's policies, including repeated tariff changes and challenges to the Federal Reserve's independence, are increasing economic uncertainty and reducing international confidence in the dollar [3] Group 3 - Limited production capacity for primary lead is expected due to reduced overseas mining output from various mines affected by weather and operational delays [4][6] - Domestic lead concentrate production has increased significantly due to high profit margins, but the overall supply may not meet smelting demands in the medium term [6] Group 4 - The supply of recycled lead is expected to recover as seasonal demand for waste batteries increases, although supply shortages may persist due to seasonal fluctuations [7][9] - The production of recycled lead may face limitations from raw material supply constraints and environmental production restrictions, leading to a potential decrease in supply in the medium term [9] Group 5 - Demand for lead is expected to return seasonally, supported by policies promoting the replacement of old batteries, which have positively impacted sales in the automotive and electric bicycle sectors [11] - Despite a potential decline in exports due to domestic raw material supply limitations, domestic demand for lead-acid batteries is anticipated to remain strong [11] Group 6 - In the medium to long term, the balance of supply and demand for lead ingots is expected to tighten, which may support an upward trend in lead prices, aided by the opening of import channels to alleviate domestic supply constraints [14]

Group 1 - The recent surge in US Treasury yields has raised concerns about investor sell-off risks, following Moody's downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating from AAA to AA1 due to increasing government debt and interest payment ratios [1] - All three major international credit rating agencies have now downgraded the US sovereign credit rating, with Fitch and Standard & Poor's having made similar adjustments previously [1] - The global monetary system, while still centered around the US dollar, is facing challenges as the internationalization of currencies like the renminbi and euro progresses, indicating a shift towards a more diversified monetary system [1] Group 2 - The dominance of the US dollar has led to issues such as "weaponization" of currency and the Triffin dilemma, prompting a rebalancing of the international monetary system [2] - There is an increasing exploration of digital currencies for cross-border trade and investment services, which may enhance the role of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) by the International Monetary Fund [2] - Despite a decline in trust towards dollar assets, the dollar's position as a primary currency remains difficult to challenge, although a diversified and multipolar global monetary system is anticipated [2]

Group 1 - The international monetary system is expected to diversify, with currencies like the Renminbi and Euro gaining prominence as the credibility of the US dollar faces systemic challenges due to rising debt and fiscal deficits [2][3] - The need for global multilateralism is emphasized as a response to the current international order challenges, with the potential for crises to reshape the global system [2][3] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are anticipated to play more significant roles in the evolving international monetary landscape, with regional development banks also becoming increasingly important [3] Group 2 - China is adopting proactive fiscal policies to counter external uncertainties, with a focus on expanding domestic demand as a primary task [4][5] - The attractiveness of the Chinese market remains strong, supported by a robust economic foundation and a large pool of skilled labor, which enhances its appeal for foreign investment [4] - Chinese enterprises are encouraged to enhance their resilience against external shocks through technological innovation and diversification of markets, while also expanding their global footprint [5]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the international trade and investment landscape will undergo changes due to the tariff policies of the Trump administration, with three key areas of focus: cost-effectiveness rebalancing, internal economic structure adjustments in major economies, and currency rebalancing [1][2][4] Group 2 - Cost-effectiveness rebalancing in international trade and investment may increase opportunities for "global south" and emerging market countries, as traditional factors like labor and resources are now joined by innovation, institutional, and green development elements [1][2] - The difficulty of manufacturing returning to the U.S. is highlighted, as the U.S. lacks competitive strength in general processing and labor-intensive industries, leading to a preference for trade and investment in countries with lower costs and tariffs [2] - Major economies will experience profound adjustments in their internal economic structures due to global trade rebalancing, with the U.S. trade deficit increasing over 50% from 2017 to 2024, while the EU's trade surplus has grown over 400% [2] Group 3 - Currency rebalancing is expected to lead to a more diverse and inclusive global monetary system, with more currencies joining the international monetary ranks and increased participation of emerging market currencies in trade and investment [2][4] - The importance of digital currencies is emphasized, particularly their potential role as public goods for international cross-border trade and investment [3] - The possibility of enhancing the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) function is also discussed, indicating a shift towards a more diverse and inclusive monetary system [4]