Core Insights - The rapid development of stablecoins may prompt global policymakers to reassess new banking capital standards for crypto assets [1][2] - Current discussions highlight that stablecoins were not a focus when new capital rules for crypto assets were drafted in 2022, indicating a need for further evaluation [1] - The proposed rules, set to be implemented next year, impose capital requirements for banks holding stablecoins that are as punitive as those for riskier cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin [1] - The financial industry is lobbying for modifications to these rules to reduce the costs associated with banks' involvement in crypto-related activities, reflecting changes in the industry since the initial proposal in 2022 [1] - The U.S. has raised questions about the rationale behind these rules and has committed to regulating stablecoins through the Genius Act [1] - Any modifications to the rules must undergo a thorough process and be negotiated with all member countries of the Basel Committee, some of which have already begun implementing the current rules [1]

Core Insights - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted in its Global Financial Stability Report that rising economic uncertainty is pushing up valuations in core sovereign bond markets, maintaining high financial stability risks [1] - The increasing importance of non-bank financial institutions, such as market makers, liquidity providers, private credit, real estate, and cryptocurrency intermediaries, may further amplify these vulnerabilities [1] - Despite a seemingly calm global market in recent months, uncertainties related to trade tensions and fiscal issues persist, indicating subtle changes beneath the surface that could weaken the resilience of the financial system if not managed properly [1]

Group 1 - Increasing number of economists expect the Bank of Korea to maintain interest rates this month despite a willingness among board members to cut rates, due to rising financial stability risks from rebounding housing prices in Seoul [1][2] - Morgan Stanley's chief economist for Korea, Kathleen Oh, anticipates a pause in rate cuts in October, with a potential resumption in November, indicating a shift from previous expectations of immediate action [1][2] - As of the end of September, Seoul's apartment prices have risen for 35 consecutive weeks, presenting challenges for the Bank of Korea, which has kept rates unchanged in recent meetings due to concerns over real estate-related financial stability risks [1] Group 2 - In the recent meeting on August 28, five out of six board members expressed a willingness to cut rates within the next three months, with external stability risks highlighted due to uncertainties in US-Korea trade negotiations [2] - HSBC also expects the Bank of Korea to hold rates steady this month, citing increased financial stability concerns and a hawkish shift in recent communications [2] - The overall economic pressure in Korea is exacerbated by stalled negotiations with the US regarding tariffs and investment commitments, impacting the competitiveness of Korean automotive manufacturers [3] Group 3 - Morgan Stanley's Oh notes that the policy outlook remains unclear for 2026, with heightened sensitivity to housing issues and ongoing export risks [3] - The Bank of Korea's concerns about the real estate market are deemed more significant than uncertainties surrounding exports unless unexpected shocks occur [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Canada's Governor Tiff Macklem expressed concerns that U.S. trade policies under President Trump may undermine the dollar's status as a global safe asset, leading to a potential decline in the U.S.'s dominance in global capital flows [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of U.S. Trade Policies - Macklem indicated that the imposition of new tariffs by the U.S. has weakened global confidence, contrary to expectations that tariffs would support the dollar's value [1][2]. - The dollar has depreciated by approximately 10% against other major currencies since the beginning of the year, raising questions about its role as a safe-haven currency [1][2]. Group 2: Financial Stability Risks - Macklem warned that changes in trade patterns, international capital flows, unsustainable U.S. fiscal deficits, and ongoing trade imbalances could increase risks to financial stability [2]. - The shift towards protectionism in the U.S. is disrupting supply chains, raising prices, and potentially leading to a prolonged economic downturn for Canada and the global economy [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Canada - Macklem urged the Canadian government and businesses to implement measures beyond monetary policy to mitigate the impact of tariffs, emphasizing the need for increased investment, productivity, and market expansion [2]. - Suggested actions include enhancing interprovincial trade, exploring new overseas markets, and reducing regulatory uncertainty to attract investors [2].

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that despite the recent interest rate cut, the current monetary policy stance remains "moderately restrictive," suggesting potential for further rate cuts if labor market weakness continues to outweigh inflation concerns [1][3]. Group 1: Interest Rate Decisions - The Federal Reserve lowered the benchmark interest rate to a range of 4%–4.25%, marking the first rate cut of 2025, aimed at addressing evident warning signs in the labor market [3]. - Powell mentioned that more than half of the Fed officials expect at least two more rate cuts this year, indicating possible actions in October and December [5]. Group 2: Labor Market and Inflation Risks - Powell highlighted a challenging situation where inflation risks are skewed upward while employment risks are skewed downward, emphasizing the dual risks involved [4]. - Recent data show a significant slowdown in U.S. job growth, complicating the assessment of economic conditions, particularly with the impact of stricter immigration policies reducing labor supply [4][6]. Group 3: Market Conditions - Powell acknowledged that stock market prices appear relatively high based on various indicators, although he stated that it is not currently a time of rising financial stability risks [7][10]. - Following the Fed's announcement of a 25 basis point rate cut, U.S. stock markets continued to rise, with major indices reaching new historical highs [8].

Group 1 - The meeting minutes indicate that almost all officials support maintaining interest rates unchanged, with the pro-maintenance faction arguing that the impact of tariff policies on inflation remains unclear, while the opposing faction advocates for preemptive measures against potential economic downturn risks [2] - The July non-farm employment data was significantly revised down to 114,000 from the previous 206,000, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.3% [2] - Fed officials Waller and Bowman noted that price fluctuations caused by tariffs are one-time events and should not primarily influence monetary policy [2] Group 2 - Recent economic data shows structural inflation divergence, with goods price growth slowing to 1.7% while service sector inflation remains high at 4.2% [3] - The job market is deteriorating faster than expected, with the July unemployment rate exceeding 4% and job vacancy rates dropping to 5.3% [3] - The meeting minutes suggest that the Fed may be adjusting its policy framework, with Powell attempting to calculate "inflation excluding tariffs," reflecting confusion in addressing the impacts of new trade policies [3] - The Fed is increasingly focusing on financial stability risks, as indicated by a 2.1% decline in commercial real estate prices and a 15% rise in small business bankruptcy rates, showing the high-interest rate environment's impact on the real economy [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Korea's Governor Lee Chang-yong indicated that while the South Korean economy showed signs of recovery in Q2, it still faces significant uncertainty due to the current trade environment [1] Economic Performance - The South Korean economy rebounded in the second quarter, supported by additional budget measures [1] - Economic momentum is expected to continue in the second half of the year due to this fiscal support [1] Financial Stability Risks - Rising overdue repayment rates among small and medium-sized enterprises and local developers are highlighting financial stability risks [1] - Despite government measures to cap mortgage lending, housing debt growth has slowed, yet property prices in certain areas of Seoul remain high [1] Trade Risks - Ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States pose a high risk to the economic outlook [1]

Group 1 - The Governor of the Bank of England, Bailey, emphasized the importance of closely monitoring financial stability risks [1] - Multilateral institutions play a crucial role in effective policy-making [1]

Market Insights - China's foreign exchange reserves increased by $32.2 billion in June, reaching $3,317.4 billion, a rise of 0.98% compared to the end of May [1] - The U.S. Treasury Secretary indicated that many trade partners have changed their negotiation stance, with multiple trade agreements expected to be announced this week [1] - President Trump announced tariff threats against 14 countries, with rates ranging from 25% for Japan and South Korea to 40% for Laos and Myanmar, effective August 1 [1] - The European Union is seeking a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. to secure a 10% tariff rate before the August 1 deadline [1] - The European Central Bank's governing council urged macroprudential regulators to maintain the resilience of the banking system, citing increased financial stability risks in the Eurozone due to heightened geopolitical uncertainties [1] Economic Indicators - Moody's maintained Israel's long-term local and foreign currency rating at Baa1, noting that direct military conflict with Iran would further strain public finances [2] - The Eurozone investor confidence index reached 4.5 in July, the highest since February 2022, while retail sales in May grew by 1.8% year-on-year, exceeding expectations [2] - Germany's industrial output adjusted for May showed a year-on-year increase of 1.0% and a month-on-month increase of 1.2% [3] - The UK Halifax house price index remained flat month-on-month but increased by 2.5% year-on-year [4] Global Market Dynamics - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.94% to 44,406.36 points, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.79% to 6,229.98 points, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.92% to 20,412.52 points [5] - COMEX gold futures rose by 0.10% to $3,346.40 per ounce, while COMEX silver futures fell by 0.39% to $36.94 per ounce [6] - U.S. oil futures increased by 1.37% to $67.92 per barrel, and Brent crude rose by 1.84% to $69.56 per barrel [7] - U.S. Treasury yields saw increases across various maturities, with the 2-year yield up by 1.04 basis points to 3.890% and the 30-year yield up by 5.59 basis points to 4.914% [7] - The U.S. dollar index rose by 0.58% to 97.55, with various currency pairs showing mixed results against the dollar [7]

Group 1 - Federal Reserve Chairman Powell suggested the possibility of interest rate cuts in July but did not formally endorse the idea [1] - European Central Bank President Lagarde indicated that 2025 could be a "critical year" for the status of the US dollar as a global reserve currency [2] - Bank of England Governor Bailey stated that UK interest rates are in a "downward channel," but the motivation for past rate cuts may be limited due to low household debt [2] - Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong mentioned that South Korea's inflation rate is well stabilized, but the central bank is closely monitoring rising financial stability risks when deciding on the timing and pace of rate cuts [2] - Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo noted that Japan's interest rates are currently below neutral levels, but he cautioned against using theoretical rates as a guideline in "cloudy" circumstances [2]