Core Viewpoint - Current data indicates that the impact of tariffs on U.S. inflation remains relatively mild, with core CPI in May-June 2025 falling short of expectations, showing a month-on-month increase of only 0.1-0.2% [1] Group 1: Tariff Impact on Inflation - The limited impact of tariffs on inflation is attributed to several factors: significant inventory accumulation by companies, a temporary buffer against rising tariffs, a weighted import tariff rate lower than theoretical values, weak corporate demand, and low service inflation [1] - It is expected that tariffs will moderately increase U.S. core inflation in the third quarter, although there is market disagreement regarding the magnitude and duration of this inflation rise [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The Federal Reserve is likely to restart the interest rate cut cycle in September, despite anticipated inflation recovery in the third quarter having limited constraints on the Fed's rate cuts in 2025 [1] - Short-term inflation recovery is expected to have a limited impact on U.S. Treasury yields, although the implementation of the "Big and Beautiful" Act may still exert pressure on these yields [1] Group 3: Broader Economic Considerations - Attention should be paid to potential buffers created by financial deregulation, expansion of stablecoins, and changes in U.S. Treasury issuance structure, which may influence the economic landscape [1] - The long-term outlook suggests that the U.S. dollar may face depreciation pressure [1]

Group 1 - Global stock markets mostly rose last week, with Vietnam's VN30 index leading the gains among major markets. The Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 increased by 1.4%, 3.9%, and 2.4% respectively. European markets also saw gains, with Germany's DAX up 3.2%, France's CAC40 up 2.6%, and the UK's FTSE 100 slightly up by 0.3%. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Hang Seng Tech index rose by 1.2%, while India's SENSEX30 index fell by 0.9% [1][2][3] - The Federal Reserve's decision on interest rate cuts is contingent on the upcoming CPI data. Internal divisions within the Fed were highlighted during the July FOMC meeting, with some members advocating for multiple rate cuts this year. The CPI data to be released this week will significantly influence the Fed's future monetary policy considerations [1][2][3] Group 2 - The geopolitical landscape is entering a critical phase with significant tariff negotiations. A meeting between U.S. and Russian leaders is scheduled for August 15, where territorial concessions may be discussed. However, the vast differences in demands between Russia and Ukraine create uncertainty regarding the outcomes of this meeting, which could lead to increased economic sanctions from the U.S. if negotiations fail [2][3] - Market volatility is expected to increase due to upcoming economic data and geopolitical developments. Investors are advised to focus on sustainable investment opportunities rather than speculative trades based on event-driven volatility [2][3] Group 3 - The strategy for the year includes anticipating the Fed's interest rate cuts, which are expected to occur 2-3 times. In the bond market, short-term bonds are favorable, but long-term bonds may offer greater advantages due to duration and declining inflation. In the equity market, the XBI index is highlighted for its resilience among growth sectors, particularly as previous pressures from government actions are easing [3]

Inflation Data Summary - The U.S. July core CPI increased by 0.3% month-on-month, aligning with market expectations, and the year-on-year core CPI rose by 0.2 percentage points to 3.1%, slightly above the expected 3.0%[2][4] - The overall CPI month-on-month decreased from 0.29% in June to 0.2% in July, matching expectations, while the year-on-year CPI remained stable at 2.7%, below the expected 2.8%[2][4] Tariff Impact on Inflation - The report indicates that tariffs have a moderate impact on inflation, with companies passing only 50-60% of tariff pressures onto consumers, preventing a significant rise in inflation[4][6] - Despite an increase in tariffs in August, the overall core inflation is expected to rise moderately due to weak consumer demand and a softening job market, maintaining the forecast for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September[4][6] Market Reactions - As of the report's timing, the market anticipates a 96% probability of a rate cut in September, with the Federal Reserve's rate cut expectations rising by 4 basis points to 61 basis points[2][4] - The U.S. dollar index fell by 0.3% to 98.3, while U.S. stocks opened higher following the inflation data release[2][4] Core Services and Goods Analysis - The month-on-month increase in core CPI was primarily driven by a rebound in core services, particularly volatile airline ticket prices, while core goods inflation remained moderate[2][6] - Core services excluding housing saw a month-on-month increase of 0.55%, driven by transportation and medical services, indicating a warming trend in service prices[6][10] Specific Item Trends - In July, the month-on-month growth of core goods was only 0.21%, with significant slowdowns in price increases for clothing, furniture, and entertainment goods, reflecting the limited transmission of tariff impacts[6][7] - Energy prices saw a notable decline, with the month-on-month energy component dropping from 0.95% in June to -1.07% in July, contributing to an overall CPI decrease of approximately 0.13 percentage points[6][7]

Inflation Data Summary - The core CPI in the US for July increased by 0.3% month-on-month, aligning with market expectations, while the year-on-year rate rose by 0.2 percentage points to 3.1%, slightly above the expected 3.0%[1] - The overall CPI month-on-month decreased from 0.29% in June to 0.2% in July, matching expectations, while the year-on-year rate remained stable at 2.7%, slightly below the anticipated 2.8%[1] - The market's confidence in a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September has strengthened, with the probability of a rate cut rising to 96%[1] Tariff Impact on Inflation - The report indicates that tariffs have a mild impact on inflation, with companies passing on only 50-60% of tariff costs to consumers due to weak demand perceptions[2] - Despite an increase in tariffs in August, the overall core inflation is expected to rise only moderately, constrained by weak corporate demand and a softening job market[2] - Core service inflation showed a rebound, particularly in volatile categories like airfare, while core goods inflation remained subdued, with some categories experiencing a slowdown in price growth[1][2] Specific Inflation Components - Core services increased by 0.36% month-on-month, driven by transportation and medical services, while core goods rose by only 0.21%[4] - Energy prices fell significantly, with the energy component decreasing by -1.07% month-on-month, contributing to a decline in overall CPI growth by approximately 0.13 percentage points[4] - Food prices also saw a notable slowdown, decreasing by 0.28 percentage points to a growth rate of 0.05%[4]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that the transmission of tariffs to inflation in the U.S. is relatively mild, which reduces the constraints on the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts [1] - The report maintains the prediction of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut in September and two cuts within the year [1] - Research by Cavallo et al. (2025) shows that after the announcement of tariffs, the maximum increase in commodity prices occurs within 10-15 weeks, indicating a rapid transmission of tariffs [1] Group 2 - Despite the rapid transmission of tariffs, companies are only passing on 50-60% of the tariff pressure to consumers due to weak perceived demand, which prevents a larger increase in inflation [1] - Looking ahead, the report anticipates that the rise in tariffs in August may continue to moderately push up core inflation, but weak corporate demand and a weakening job market will limit the extent of inflation increases [1] - The report highlights that demand slowdown and accelerated deportation of illegal immigrants indicate that the job market will continue to face pressure in the third quarter [1]

Market Performance - Global stock markets mostly rose last week, with Vietnam's VN30 index leading gains[3] - The Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 increased by 1.4%, 3.9%, and 2.4% respectively[3] - European indices also saw gains, with Germany's DAX up 3.2% and France's CAC40 up 2.6%[3] - In the Asia-Pacific region, the Hang Seng Tech index rose by 1.2%, while India's SENSEX30 fell by 0.9%[3] Economic Indicators - The upcoming CPI data release is crucial for the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, with expectations of potential rate cuts later this year[3] - The Fed's internal divisions are evident, with some members advocating for three rate cuts this year[3] Geopolitical Risks - The upcoming US-Russia meeting on August 15 may impact global trade stability, especially if negotiations fail[3] - Significant geopolitical tensions could lead to increased sanctions against Russia, further destabilizing global markets[3] Investment Strategy - Market volatility is expected due to upcoming economic data and geopolitical events, suggesting a focus on long-term positions[3] - The anticipated Fed rate cuts (2-3 times this year) make interest rate-sensitive investments attractive, particularly in US Treasuries[3] Risk Factors - Risks include unexpected inflation rebounds in overseas markets, weaker-than-expected global economic conditions, and escalated geopolitical tensions[3][42]

Market Performance - In July, global stock markets showed a mixed performance, with the US indices collectively rising, led by the Nasdaq, while the Dow remained flat[3] - The UK FTSE 100 outperformed the Nasdaq, and the VN30 index in Vietnam led the gains in the Asia-Pacific region[3] Economic Indicators - The US non-farm payrolls for July showed an increase of only 73,000 jobs, significantly below the expected 110,000, with prior months' figures revised down by a total of 258,000 jobs[3] - The probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September has surged to over 80%, with a 50% chance of another cut in October[3] Federal Reserve Outlook - Internal divisions within the Federal Reserve are evident, with two dissenting votes in the recent FOMC meeting and a key member announcing an early resignation[3] - The likelihood of a dovish shift from the Fed has increased, with expectations of a 50-75 basis point rate cut in the remaining months of the year[3] Investment Strategy - The report suggests focusing on interest rate cut trades and opportunities in the US stock market following potential corrections[3] - Short-term bonds are favorable, but long-term bonds may offer greater advantages due to duration and declining inflation[3] Risk Factors - Potential risks include unexpected rebounds in overseas inflation, weaker-than-expected global economic conditions, and escalated geopolitical tensions[3]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's decision on interest rate cuts is influenced by a complex interplay between monetary policy and political positions, rather than being a straightforward economic issue [1][14]. - The recent FOMC meeting saw two dissenting votes for the first time in 32 years, reflecting a shift in the political landscape rather than a significant change in monetary policy dynamics [4][5]. - The removal of the phrase "uncertainty further decreases" from Powell's statements indicates ongoing concerns about the unpredictability of Trump's policies, which adds to the complexity of the economic environment [6][12]. Group 2 - The significant fluctuations in GDP growth rates are primarily driven by Trump's tariff policies, which have led to erratic import behaviors and inventory investments, masking the underlying weakening of domestic economic momentum [7][9]. - The private domestic final purchases (PDFP) growth rate has been revised downwards, indicating a decline in the internal economic strength of the U.S., which is heavily reliant on consumer spending [9][12]. - Powell's hawkish stance is characterized by a focus on inflation risks over employment concerns, suggesting a tighter monetary policy approach to combat inflation, despite the complexities introduced by external factors like tariffs [12][14]. Group 3 - The decision to cut interest rates in September appears to be data-driven, with the potential for political pressures from Trump regarding the Federal Reserve's actions, especially concerning debt servicing costs [17][14]. - The upcoming Jackson Hole global central bank meeting is anticipated to be a critical moment for assessing Powell's commitment to a hawkish monetary policy stance amidst evolving economic conditions [14][17].

Monetary Policy Insights - The Federal Reserve maintained the benchmark interest rate at 4.25%-4.5% during the July FOMC meeting[1] - Two Fed governors voted against the decision to keep rates unchanged, marking the first such occurrence since 1993[1] - The Fed's assessment of economic growth was downgraded from "expand at a solid pace" to "moderated," indicating concerns over economic slowdown[1] Interest Rate Expectations - Following the meeting, the probability of a rate cut in September dropped to 45%, down from previous expectations[1] - Cumulative rate cut expectations for the year decreased by 7 basis points to 37 basis points[1] - The yields on 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds rose by 6 basis points and 2 basis points, reaching 3.94% and 4.37% respectively[1] Economic Indicators - Powell emphasized the robustness of the job market but acknowledged existing downside risks[3] - The second quarter GDP growth exceeded expectations, but the overall growth rate for the first half of the year was slower compared to the same period last year[3] - Powell noted that tariffs are contributing to inflation, with companies likely to pass on costs to consumers in the future[3] Future Outlook - The decision on a potential rate cut in September will depend on economic data from July and August, particularly employment figures[4] - There is a possibility of two rate cuts between September and December if economic conditions weaken[4] - Risks include unexpected inflation from tariffs and a faster-than-expected slowdown in the U.S. job market[4]

Overview - The core CPI data for June in the US was slightly weaker than expected, but the inflation effects of tariffs are becoming more evident [3][7][38] - The June CPI year-on-year was 2.7%, slightly above the market expectation of 2.6%, while the core CPI was 2.9%, matching expectations [3][38] - The market reacted to the data with a temporary decline in the 10Y Treasury yield and the US dollar index, which later recovered, indicating a focus on future inflation expectations [11][38] Structure - The main drivers of the CPI rebound include rising oil prices, core goods (excluding new and used cars), and non-rent services [4][39] - The energy CPI for June increased by 0.9% month-on-month, recovering from a previous decline of -1.0%, reflecting global oil price increases [4][39] - Core goods inflation showed signs of warming, with a month-on-month increase of 0.2%, driven by clothing, toys, and audio-visual equipment, indicating the impact of tariffs [20][39] - Rent inflation slightly slowed to 0.2% month-on-month, while core non-rent service inflation rebounded, particularly in medical, transportation, and entertainment services [4][39] Outlook - The second half of the year may see continued upward pressure on inflation, with the third quarter being a critical verification period for tariff inflation effects [5][28][40] - The Federal Reserve is expected to initiate rate cuts in September, with two cuts anticipated within the year, despite potential inflation increases [5][34][40] - The combination of moderate inflation increases and weakening employment may influence the Fed's decision-making [34][40]