Core Viewpoint - The adjustment of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy framework not only opens the door for interest rate cuts but also prompts central banks worldwide to reflect on traditional policy frameworks in light of new technologies and transmission mechanisms [1][6]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's New Framework - The Federal Reserve's new monetary policy framework emphasizes that full employment cannot be directly measured and is subject to change over time, making fixed employment targets unsuitable [2]. - The new framework signals a shift back to a flexible inflation targeting regime, moving away from the previous "compensatory" inflation strategy, indicating that the upcoming rate cuts are preventive rather than aggressive [2][4]. - The adjustment is partly a response to unprecedented revisions in employment data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, raising questions about the credibility of employment data and undermining the authority of the Federal Reserve's decisions [2][3]. Group 2: Challenges and Changes in Monetary Policy - The current environment presents complexities for the Federal Reserve, particularly regarding the stability and predictability of decision-making based on potentially distorted employment and price index statistics [3]. - Digital technology is transforming the transmission mechanisms of monetary policy, complicating the speed and boundaries of policy effectiveness, necessitating adjustments to the Federal Reserve's adaptive support framework [3]. - The emergence of decentralized stablecoins is shifting some monetary policy functions from the Federal Reserve to the U.S. Treasury, challenging the traditional belief in the independence of central bank monetary policy [3][4]. Group 3: Global Implications of Rate Cuts - The Federal Reserve's non-typical rate cuts may have different impacts on global financial markets due to the ongoing restructuring of the global economic system [4]. - The effects of the Federal Reserve's rate cuts on global markets will not be uniform but will depend on the correlation of trade relationships with the U.S. and the acceptance of dollar-based stablecoins [5]. - Countries, including China, need to update their cross-border liquidity stress testing models and better understand the impacts of stablecoins on national currencies and financial systems [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for key companies in the non-ferrous metals sector, including Shandong Gold, Zijin Mining, and others [7][8]. Core Views - The Federal Reserve's dovish stance is expected to drive a bullish outlook for precious metals, with gold prices likely to reach new highs due to anticipated interest rate cuts and inflationary pressures [1][38]. - The copper market is supported by both macroeconomic factors and supply-side constraints, leading to a strong price outlook [2]. - Lithium prices are rebounding due to ongoing supply disruptions, while the market remains tight with a strong demand forecast [3]. Summary by Sections Precious Metals - The Federal Reserve's shift to a dovish tone has increased expectations for interest rate cuts, with a 90% probability for a September rate cut [1]. - Gold prices are projected to rise, with optimistic scenarios suggesting silver could reach $70 per ounce if the gold-silver ratio normalizes [1]. - Key companies to watch include Xinyi Silver, Shengda Resources, and Zijin Mining [1]. Industrial Metals - Copper prices are expected to strengthen due to macroeconomic support and supply disruptions, with domestic smelting capacity facing maintenance [2]. - Aluminum prices are predicted to fluctuate in the short term, influenced by macroeconomic sentiment and supply adjustments across regions [2]. - Companies of interest include Luoyang Molybdenum, Nanshan Aluminum, and China Hongqiao [2]. Energy Metals - Lithium prices are experiencing a strong rebound, with industrial-grade lithium carbonate priced at 84,000 yuan per ton, reflecting a 1.5% weekly increase [3]. - The market remains tight with a forecasted increase in demand for electric vehicles, supporting a bullish outlook for lithium [3]. - Companies to monitor include Ganfeng Lithium, Tianqi Lithium, and others [3]. Market Trends - The non-ferrous metals sector has shown a general upward trend, with the sector index rising by 1.3% recently [19]. - Specific sub-sectors like small metals have seen significant gains, with a 10.5% increase noted [19]. - The report highlights the importance of monitoring inventory levels and price movements across various metals to gauge market health [35].

Group 1: Federal Reserve Policy Insights - Powell's speech at Jackson Hole provided a clear hint of potential interest rate cuts, causing significant market reactions, with the dollar index dropping as much as 0.94% on August 22[3] - The Fed is facing challenges with inflation risks skewed upwards and employment risks skewed downwards, indicating a need to adjust policy stance[3] - The abandonment of the flexible average inflation targeting framework opens the door for quicker rate cuts if inflation shows signs of rapid decline[4] Group 2: Labor Market Dynamics - The U.S. labor market is exhibiting a "curious kind of balance," with both labor supply and demand significantly slowing, which could lead to a rise in unemployment if participation rates do not improve[4] - The upcoming August non-farm payroll data will be crucial for assessing labor market conditions ahead of the September FOMC meeting[4] - Initial jobless claims rose in the third week of August, indicating potential weakness in the labor market, but previous strong data complicates the assessment[4] Group 3: Global Economic Context - Japan's core CPI remained flat at 3.4% in July, suggesting that input inflation may be ending, with future inflation risks leaning towards a decline[26] - The U.S. imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" on Japan is expected to further impact Japan's manufacturing PMI, indicating a deteriorating external demand environment[26] - If U.S. economic data points to effective fiscal expansion and improved employment, a rebound in the already weakened dollar index may be more likely[5]

Core Viewpoint - The report from CITIC Securities indicates that Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole central bank summit aligns with previous expectations, emphasizing the downside risks in the labor market and reiterating the view from the July meeting that "tariff inflation is transitory," paving the way for rate cuts in September [1] Monetary Policy - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates three times this year, each by 25 basis points [1] - The Fed has abandoned the average inflation targeting framework, returning to a flexible inflation targeting approach, and has modified its language to emphasize attention to "dual" labor market risks [1] Market Implications - Following Powell's dovish remarks, the main theme of "rate cut trades" in the U.S. stock market has been clarified, with a "catch-up" trading logic expected to dominate the upcoming market [1] - Similar to the "rate cut trades" in July 2024, sectors sensitive to interest rates such as Russell 2000, S&P 500 Real Estate, and Nasdaq Biotechnology may experience upward trends again [1] Currency and Bond Market - There remains a gap between market expectations for two rate cuts by the Fed and the company's forecast of three cuts, suggesting slight downward potential for U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar index [1] Global Equity Market - Powell's dovish comments and a weaker U.S. dollar are expected to boost risk appetite in global equity markets [1] Gold Market - The expectation of rate cuts is likely to support gold prices, although caution is advised regarding potential negative impacts from a possible agreement between Russia and Ukraine [1]

Group 1: Jackson Hole Conference Insights - The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium is an annual event held by the Kansas Federal Reserve, where central bank leaders discuss monetary policy adjustments[2] - Powell's recent speech indicated a shift towards a dovish stance, suggesting a potential interest rate cut in September due to increasing employment risks[3][11] Group 2: Economic Indicators and Risks - Employment risks are rising, with a peculiar balance in the labor market due to significant supply-demand slowdown, potentially leading to increased layoffs and unemployment[3][12] - The likelihood of tariffs causing sustained inflation is deemed low, with current price impacts expected to be temporary[3][12] Group 3: Interest Rate Projections - Following Powell's speech, the probability of a September rate cut increased from 72% to 81.3%, with the average expected cuts for the year rising from 1.91 to 2.18 times[4][14] - The current policy rate appears slightly ahead of estimated levels, indicating that any rate cuts may be more preventive rather than recession-driven[4][14] Group 4: Market Reactions and Framework Adjustments - In a preventive rate cut scenario, U.S. stock indices typically rise, supported by resilient earnings, while long-term U.S. Treasury yields are likely to decline[5][19] - The Fed is shifting from an average inflation targeting framework to a flexible inflation targeting approach, allowing for more adaptability in response to economic conditions[6][20][25]

Global Asset Price Performance - US Treasury yields declined, with the 10-year yield down by 7 basis points, likely due to dovish comments from Powell at the Jackson Hole meeting [2] - Major global stock markets saw mixed results, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones increasing by 0.3% and 1.5% respectively, while the Nasdaq Composite fell by 0.6% [2] - Oil prices rebounded, with WTI and Brent crude rising by 1.4% and 2.9% respectively, and gold prices increased by 1.1% [2] - The US dollar index decreased by 0.1% [2] Major Central Bank Monetary Policies - Powell signaled a dovish stance at the Jackson Hole meeting, indicating that the Fed may need to adjust its policy stance due to increased risks of employment downturn and reduced inflation risks [4] - The Fed's July meeting minutes suggested that officials believe interest rates are close to neutral, and maintaining the current stance is appropriate [4] - The Bank of Japan approved the first domestic yen stablecoin, JPYC, supporting financial technology innovation [4] US Economic Dynamics - The US housing market remains weak, with July new housing starts showing a year-on-year increase primarily due to a low base from the previous year [8] - The NAHB housing market index slightly decreased to 32, remaining in negative territory for 16 consecutive months [8] - The US has added 407 steel and aluminum products to its tariff list, with a 50% tax rate, which may increase procurement costs for downstream manufacturing companies [9] Other Regional Economic Dynamics - The Eurozone showed resilience with a 0.1% GDP growth in Q2 and a July CPI annual rate of 2%, aligning with the ECB's target [19] - Japan's long-term bond yields have risen, with the 20-year yield reaching 2.7%, the highest since 1999, driven by inflation expectations and concerns over fiscal expansion [19]

Group 1: Economic Outlook - Federal Reserve consensus on a September interest rate cut appears to be largely reached, with expectations for a 25 basis point reduction[3] - Powell's speech highlighted the dual risks of a declining labor market and rising inflation, indicating a need for policy adjustment[2] - The labor market is showing signs of increased layoffs and rising unemployment rates, while tariffs are contributing to inflationary pressures[2] Group 2: Monetary Policy Framework - The Fed's monetary policy framework is being adjusted to return to a flexible inflation targeting regime, balancing monetary policy goals[4] - The removal of the "effective lower bound" statement aligns with current high inflation characteristics, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach[4] - The Fed will act based on economic outlook and risk balance, maintaining a long-term inflation target of 2%[4] Group 3: Market Reactions - Following Powell's dovish remarks, the market is expected to experience a short-term boost in risk sentiment, with positive reactions in U.S. equities[5] - The likelihood of two rate cuts in 2025 is anticipated, but caution remains due to the delayed effects of tariffs on inflation[5] - Market indicators showed significant gains in U.S. stocks, a decline in bond yields, and an increase in gold prices following the speech[5]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is likely to initiate interest rate cuts soon due to rising downside risks to employment and diminished upside risks to inflation, as indicated by Powell during the Jackson Hole meeting [2][3]. Employment and Inflation - Employment growth is slowing, indicating a decrease in job creation opportunities, while GDP growth has also decelerated in the first half of the year, leading to increased downside risks for employment [2]. - Inflation is approaching the Fed's target, with tariffs expected to have a gradual and uncertain impact on prices. There is a lack of sustained upward pressure on inflation due to downward pressure in the labor market, which reduces the likelihood of a wage-inflation spiral [3]. Monetary Policy Framework Changes - The Fed has revised its monetary policy framework to return to a flexible inflation targeting regime, allowing for adjustments without waiting for inflation to remain below 2% for an extended period. This change acknowledges the weakening labor supply and demand [6][7]. - The new framework removes references to the effective lower bound as a decisive economic characteristic, reflecting the current low interest rate environment and the potential for more frequent constraints on the federal funds rate [6]. - The Fed has shifted its view on maximum employment, now considering it as the highest level of employment that can be sustained in a context of price stability, rather than focusing on employment shortfalls [7]. Long-term Inflation and Employment Goals - The Fed maintains that a 2% inflation rate, measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, is most consistent with its dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and price stability. Long-term inflation expectations should remain anchored at this level to enhance the Fed's ability to achieve maximum employment [8]. - The Fed's approach to monetary policy will balance the degree of deviation from its employment and inflation targets, considering the time required for both to return to target levels [8].

Economic Situation and Short-term Monetary Policy Outlook - The U.S. economy has shown resilience amid significant policy adjustments, with the labor market close to full employment and inflation down from pandemic peaks, although still slightly above target [1][2] - The current economic challenges include increased tariffs reshaping global trade, tightened immigration policies slowing labor growth, and potential long-term impacts from tax, spending, and regulatory changes [2][3] - The labor market has seen a significant slowdown in job growth, with an average of only 35,000 non-farm jobs added monthly over the past three months, compared to an expected average of 168,000 for 2024 [3] Inflation and GDP Growth - GDP growth has notably slowed to 1.2% in the first half of the year, about half of the projected 2.5% growth for 2024, primarily due to a decrease in consumer spending [4] - Inflation pressures are evident, with personal consumption expenditures (PCE) prices rising by 2.6% over the past 12 months, and core PCE prices increasing by 2.9%, indicating persistent inflationary trends [4][5] - Tariffs are contributing to rising prices, with the potential for these price increases to lead to more sustained inflation dynamics, although current labor market conditions may mitigate this risk [5] Monetary Policy Framework Evolution - The Federal Reserve's monetary policy framework is evolving to adapt to changing economic conditions, emphasizing the dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability [7][11] - The revised consensus statement reflects lessons learned from recent economic experiences, including the need for clear communication regarding monetary policy strategies in varying economic environments [11][12] - Key adjustments in the framework include a shift away from emphasizing the effective lower bound (ELB) as a defining characteristic of the economy and a return to a flexible inflation targeting approach [12][13] Long-term Economic Considerations - The revised framework acknowledges that the long-term neutral interest rate may be higher than in previous decades, influenced by factors such as productivity, demographics, and fiscal policy [11][15] - The commitment to a 2% long-term inflation target remains central to maintaining long-term inflation expectations, which is crucial for achieving the dual mandate [15][16] - The Federal Reserve plans to continue conducting public assessments of its framework approximately every five years to ensure alignment with evolving economic conditions [15][16]

Group 1 - The Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium is set to commence, with a key speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell scheduled for August 22, focusing on economic outlook and monetary policy framework review [1][3] - Powell's speech is expected to discuss potential adjustments to the Federal Open Market Committee's consensus statement, possibly reversing some changes made in 2020 and returning to a flexible inflation targeting strategy [1][3] - The European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and the Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will participate in a closing panel discussion on August 23, which is anticipated to closely align with the conference's themes [2][3] Group 2 - The conference's main theme is "Transforming Labor Markets: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy," which will guide the research presentations, although Powell's speech may focus more on current policy issues [3] - Media interviews will play a crucial role in disseminating policy information, with approximately five Federal Reserve officials expected to participate in interviews on August 22, following Powell's speech [4] - Historical data indicates that interviews with central bank officials often provide more immediate insights into policy direction compared to academic discussions, highlighting their market impact [4]