Core Viewpoint - The report from the European credit rating agency has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from "AA" to "AA-" due to the deteriorating public financial condition and declining governance standards in the U.S. [2] Financial Condition - The U.S. public finances are worsening, characterized by persistently high fiscal deficits, rising interest expenditures, and limited budget flexibility, leading to an increasing government debt level [2] - The report predicts that without substantial reforms, the U.S. government debt-to-GDP ratio could rise to 140% by 2030, significantly higher than most sovereign nations [2] Governance Standards - The decline in governance standards is a significant reason for the rating downgrade, with concerns over the concentration of executive power and the Trump administration's disregard for court orders and congressional oversight, which increases policy unpredictability and risks of policy errors [2] - The uncertainty displayed in tariff negotiations with major trading partners exemplifies this governance issue [2] Rating Outlook - The agency has assigned a "stable" outlook for the U.S. rating, indicating that the risks of both upgrades and downgrades are balanced over the next 12 to 18 months [2] - Downside risks include the continuous rise in debt levels and a potential significant weakening of the U.S. dollar's status as a global reserve currency, which could reduce global demand for U.S. Treasury securities [2] Recent Developments - As of October 21, the total U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion just two months prior [3] - The ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted for 24 days as of October 24, could potentially reduce economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points for each week it continues [3] Other Rating Agency Actions - Other rating agencies have also downgraded U.S. ratings this year, citing policy risks and long-term fiscal challenges [4] - Fitch Ratings downgraded the outlook for 25% of U.S. industries to "negative" due to increased uncertainty, slowing economic growth, and expectations of prolonged high interest rates [5] - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from AAA to AA1, reflecting a significant increase in government debt and interest payment ratios compared to similarly rated countries [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent downgrade of the United States' sovereign credit rating by Scope Ratings from "AA" to "AA-", citing deteriorating public finances and declining government governance standards as primary reasons [1][2]. Group 1: Credit Rating Downgrade - Scope Ratings downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating due to ongoing deterioration in public finances and governance standards [2][3]. - The report indicates that the U.S. fiscal situation is characterized by high fiscal deficits, rising interest expenditures, and limited budget flexibility, which are driving the government debt level higher [2][3]. - The report projects that without substantial reforms, the U.S. government debt-to-GDP ratio could reach 140% by 2030, significantly higher than most sovereign nations [2][3]. Group 2: Government Shutdown Impact - The U.S. government has been in a shutdown for 24 days, affecting over 500,000 federal employees who have not received full salaries [5][6]. - The shutdown has led to significant disruptions, including delays and cancellations of flights due to a shortage of air traffic controllers, which raises concerns about aviation safety [5][6]. - The ongoing political deadlock between the Republican and Democratic parties over healthcare spending has prevented the passage of a temporary funding bill, prolonging the shutdown [6]. Group 3: Debt Levels and Future Projections - The total U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, with a notable increase from $37 trillion just two months prior [1][3]. - The Peterson Foundation estimates that U.S. debt interest payments could surge to $14 trillion over the next decade, compared to $4 trillion in the past decade, which will significantly crowd out public and private spending in critical economic areas [4].

Core Points - Scope Ratings downgraded the U.S. credit rating by one level to AA- due to ongoing government shutdown and deteriorating public finances [1][2] - The downgrade reflects weakened governance standards, which reduce policy predictability and increase the risk of policy missteps [2] - The U.S. debt level surpassed $38 trillion as of October 21, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion in mid-August [2][3] Group 1 - Scope Ratings' assessment is two levels lower than its larger competitors, Fitch, Moody's, and S&P Global Ratings [3] - The agency maintains a "stable" outlook for the U.S. rating, with balanced risks for potential upgrades or downgrades in the next 12 to 18 months [2] - The International Monetary Fund predicts that U.S. general government debt will reach 140% of GDP in the next four years, an increase of 15 percentage points from 2025 [3] Group 2 - The downgrade adds to the blemishes on the U.S. credit record, especially following Moody's downgrade in May [3] - Scope's analysts have warned that the government shutdown is a "negative credit event," although the likelihood of default remains low [3] - The potential decline in the U.S. dollar's status as a global reserve currency could reduce demand for U.S. Treasury securities [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that the U.S. credit rating has been downgraded by Scope Ratings due to ongoing fiscal deterioration and weakened governance standards [2][3] - Scope Ratings has lowered the U.S. credit rating to AA-, which is three levels below its highest rating, indicating significant concerns about the country's fiscal health [2] - The agency warns that the ongoing government shutdown has increased the risk of policy missteps and reduced the predictability of U.S. policy-making [2][3] Group 2 - As of October 21, the total U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion just two months prior [3] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that the U.S. general government debt will reach 140% of GDP within four years, an increase of 15 percentage points from 2025 [3] - Scope Ratings has maintained a negative outlook on the U.S. rating since 2023, with analysts highlighting the government shutdown as a "negative credit event" [3]

Core Points - The European credit rating agency has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from "AA" to "AA-" due to deteriorating public finances and declining government governance standards [1] - The report predicts that without substantial reforms, U.S. government debt as a percentage of GDP could rise to 140% by 2030, significantly higher than most sovereign nations [1] - The agency has assigned a "stable" outlook for the U.S. rating, indicating balanced risks for upgrades and downgrades in the next 12 to 18 months [1] Financial Condition - The U.S. public finances are characterized by persistently high fiscal deficits, rising interest expenditures, and limited budget flexibility, leading to an ongoing increase in government debt levels [1] - As of October 21, the total U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion just two months prior [2] Governance Issues - The report highlights a decline in governance standards, citing the concentration of executive power and instances of the Trump administration ignoring court orders, which has increased policy unpredictability and risk of policy errors [1] - The uncertainty in tariff negotiations with major trading partners exemplifies the governance challenges faced by the U.S. [1] Rating Agency Actions - Other rating agencies have also downgraded U.S. ratings, with Fitch downgrading the outlook for 25% of U.S. industries to "negative" due to increased uncertainty and anticipated prolonged high interest rates [3] - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from AAA to AA1 earlier this year, citing rising government debt and interest payment ratios [3] Economic Impact - The ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted for 24 days as of October 24, is projected to reduce economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points for each week it continues [2] - The shutdown has set a record for the second-longest government closure in U.S. history, further complicating the fiscal landscape [2]

Core Points - The European credit rating agency has downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from "AA" to "AA-" due to deteriorating public finances and declining government governance standards [1] - The report predicts that without substantial reforms, U.S. government debt as a percentage of GDP could rise to 140% by 2030, significantly higher than most sovereign nations [1] - The agency noted that the concentration of executive power and the Trump administration's disregard for court orders have increased policy unpredictability and risk of policy errors [1] - The U.S. rating outlook is "stable," with balanced risks for upgrades and downgrades in the next 12 to 18 months [1] - As of October 21, the total U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking a significant increase in a short period [2] Financial Implications - The U.S. federal government debt reached $37 trillion in mid-August, indicating rapid growth in just over two months [2] - The ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted 24 days as of October 24, could potentially reduce economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points for each week it continues [2] - Other rating agencies, including Fitch and Moody's, have also downgraded U.S. ratings, citing increased policy risks and long-term fiscal challenges [3] - Fitch has projected that the U.S. government deficit could remain above 7% of GDP, with debt-to-GDP ratio expected to reach 135% by 2029 [3] - Moody's downgraded the U.S. rating from AAA to AA1, reflecting a significant increase in government debt and interest payment ratios compared to similarly rated countries [3] Trade and Economic Impact - The new U.S. government's imposition of tariffs on trade partners has notably hampered the domestic economy [4]

Group 1 - The total federal government debt in the United States has exceeded $38 trillion for the first time as of October 21, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion in mid-August, which occurred in just over two months [1] - The U.S. Senate has failed to pass a temporary funding bill proposed by the Republican Party, leading to a continued "shutdown" stalemate, with this being the 12th vote to reject the temporary funding bill since the recent government shutdown [1] Group 2 - The price of gold in Shanghai has decreased by 0.77%, closing at 942.28 yuan per gram [2]

Core Insights - The US dollar remains the world's preferred reserve currency, but gold is attracting significant investment as political instability and government debt undermine fiat currencies [1][3] - Gold's rise indicates a shift in investor sentiment, highlighting a loss of faith in traditional financial shelters like the dollar and long-term bonds [2][3] - The US dollar index has dropped nearly 9% year-to-date, reflecting growing trust issues in fiat currencies [3] Gold Market Dynamics - Gold prices are approaching $4,000 per ounce, signaling a major flight to safe-haven assets during periods of inflation and economic instability [5] - The current market environment is unique, with stock markets at record highs while investors seek hard assets and cryptocurrencies as alternatives to perceived unsustainable government spending [7][9] Cryptocurrency Trends - Bitcoin has reached new record highs, behaving as a hedge and a store of value, similar to gold, but without the volatility associated with cryptocurrencies [6][7] - The current dynamics suggest that both gold and cryptocurrencies are being favored as responses to rising government debt and economic uncertainty [7] Economic Context - Economic growth is seen as a potential solution to the debt crisis, contributing to the demand for gold, as lower interest rates typically lead to higher gold prices [9]

Core Viewpoint - The global political rightward shift, along with trends of expansive fiscal and monetary policies, indicates increased uncertainty from geopolitical friction and greater unsustainability of global government debt, raising the probability of the economy moving from a soft landing to moderate overheating [1] Market Strategy - Short-term risk appetite for US stocks is expected to weaken due to the ongoing government shutdown, while in the medium term, the combination of right-wing policies and dual expansionary fiscal and monetary measures is likely to lead to geopolitical risks, economic overheating, and weakened fiat currency credit, with expected asset performance ranking as gold > copper > stocks [1] Major Events Impacting Markets - The US government shutdown and the election of Kishi Nobuo as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan are the two main events driving market sentiment [2] - The US government shutdown, which began on October 1, is expected to last longer than market expectations, leading to increased risk aversion and a rise in gold and Bitcoin prices, with both assets reaching historical highs [2][3] Economic Data - The US ADP employment data showed a negative growth of 32,000 jobs in September, significantly below the expected increase of 51,000, indicating weakness in the labor market [5] - The ISM manufacturing PMI improved to 49.1, while the services PMI fell to 50, reflecting mixed signals in the US economy [5] Political Developments in the US - The US federal government entered a shutdown due to a failure to pass a temporary spending bill, primarily over disagreements on healthcare spending, with potential economic impacts being limited based on historical precedents [6][7] - The shutdown is expected to delay the release of key economic data, including non-farm payrolls and CPI, which are crucial for Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions [7] Political Developments in Japan - Kishi Nobuo's election as the new president of the Liberal Democratic Party is expected to lead to a continuation of expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, which may delay the Bank of Japan's interest rate hike process [8][9] - Kishi's economic policies are characterized by a commitment to "more responsible" fiscal expansion, with a focus on coordinating closely with the Bank of Japan [9]

Core Points - The U.S. government is on the brink of a shutdown due to failed negotiations between the two parties regarding funding, causing market anxiety and pushing gold prices above $3,800 per ounce [1][8] - The political deadlock is characterized by strong stances from both parties, with President Trump and Republican leaders blaming Democrats, while Democrats insist that any agreement must include healthcare subsidies [5][6] - The potential government shutdown could delay the release of the non-farm payroll data, impacting the Federal Reserve's plans for interest rate cuts [4] Group 1: Political Negotiations - Key discussions involving President Trump and congressional leaders failed to reach an agreement, with a proposed "Continuing Resolution" rejected by Democrats [5] - The core issue lies in the requirement for at least 60 votes to pass any funding bill, necessitating support from at least seven Democratic senators [6] - The White House shows no willingness to compromise, increasing market concerns about a potential government shutdown [7] Group 2: Market Reactions - The political uncertainty and a weakening dollar have driven gold prices to surpass $3,800 per ounce, marking a 45% increase this year [1][8] - Analysts attribute the rise in gold prices to high government debt, ongoing inflation, and doubts about the dollar's status as the primary reserve currency [8] - Institutional and central bank buying has also contributed to the surge in gold prices, with significant inflows into gold ETFs and record net long positions from speculative investors [9]