Group 1 - The core inflation data for August shows a year-on-year increase of 2.9%, the largest rise since January, indicating a potential shift in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve [1][2] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% month-on-month, surpassing market expectations, with significant increases in housing costs and food prices, particularly a 4.5% surge in tomato prices [2][3] - The labor market is showing signs of weakness, with initial jobless claims reaching the highest level since October 2021, suggesting a potential increase in layoffs and a shift in the labor market balance [2][3] Group 2 - The interplay of rising inflation and a weakening labor market presents a complex policy challenge for the Federal Reserve, with a low probability of a significant rate cut in September [3] - The increase in inflation is attributed to the transfer of rising costs from tariffs on imported goods to consumers, raising concerns about potential stagflation risks [3]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs predicts the world is entering a "Commodity Control Cycle" due to stagnation in globalization and inward-looking policies by various countries [1][2] Group 1: Traditional Investment Portfolio Vulnerabilities - Traditional stock and bond portfolios are particularly vulnerable in two stagflation scenarios, diminishing their diversification benefits [3] - The first scenario is "Institutional Credibility Erosion Stagflation," where doubts about central banks' ability to control inflation lead to declines in both stocks and bonds, making gold a standout asset [4] - The second scenario is "Supply Shock Stagflation," where external supply disruptions cause economic slowdowns and rising prices, making commodities the few assets that can provide positive real returns [5][6] Group 2: The Four-Step Cycle of Commodity Control - The cycle begins with "Insulation," where governments use tariffs, subsidies, and strategic reserves to secure domestic supply chains [8] - The second step is "Expansion," where once domestic supply is secured, excess production is exported, with OPEC+ and U.S. LNG exports gaining market influence [8][9] - The third step is "Concentration," where global price declines lead to high-cost producers exiting the market, concentrating supply among a few low-cost giants [9] - The final step is "Leverage," where dominant producers use export restrictions as geopolitical and economic leverage, increasing market disruption risks [10] Group 3: Geopolitical Risks and Supply Concentration - The concentration of commodity supply heightens geopolitical risks, as evidenced by historical cases like the 1973 oil embargo and Russia's gas supply cuts to Europe [11][14] - Key maritime chokepoints further exacerbate supply chain vulnerabilities, with diminishing naval protection increasing geopolitical risks for commodity flows [14] Group 4: Strategic Value of Commodities for Investors - The report emphasizes the strategic value of commodities in investment portfolios amid a fragmented and vulnerable supply chain world [15] - Not all commodities provide the same hedging effectiveness, which depends on their direct or indirect weight in the inflation basket and the likelihood of supply disruptions [15][16] - As the world officially enters the "Commodity Control Cycle," incorporating a broad range of commodities into investment portfolios is a long-term strategic decision to mitigate future inflation and geopolitical risks [17]

Core Insights - Goldman Sachs predicts the world is entering a "Commodity Control Cycle" due to stagnation in globalization and inward-looking policies by nations [1][7] - The traditional stock-bond portfolio is deemed vulnerable in the face of two types of stagflation risks: erosion of institutional credibility and supply shocks [2][6] Commodity Control Cycle - The cycle consists of four phases: insulation, expansion, concentration, and leverage [3][4] - **Insulation**: Governments implement tariffs, subsidies, and strategic reserves to protect domestic supply chains [3] - **Expansion**: Once domestic supply is secured, surplus production is used for exports, with OPEC+ and U.S. LNG exports gaining market share [3] - **Concentration**: High-cost producers exit the market, leading to supply concentration among a few dominant players [3] - **Leverage**: Dominant producers can use export restrictions as geopolitical and economic leverage, increasing market disruption risks [3][5] Geopolitical Risks - The concentration of commodity supply heightens geopolitical risks, as seen in historical cases like the 1973 oil embargo and Russia's gas supply cuts to Europe [5] - Key maritime chokepoints exacerbate supply chain vulnerabilities, with diminishing naval protection increasing geopolitical risks for commodity flows [5] Strategic Value of Commodities - The report emphasizes the strategic value of commodities in investment portfolios, particularly in a fragmented and supply-chain-weakening world [6][7] - Not all commodities provide the same hedging effectiveness, which depends on their weight in the inflation basket and the likelihood of supply disruptions [6][9] Conclusion - As the world transitions into a "Commodity Control Cycle," incorporating a diverse range of commodities into investment portfolios is a strategic decision to mitigate future inflation and geopolitical risks [7]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve is expected to initiate a rate cut in September, with futures markets indicating an over 85% probability of a 25 basis point reduction [1][3] - Multiple Federal Reserve officials have signaled the imminent start of a rate-cutting cycle, with notable support from Governor Waller and New York Fed President Williams [3] - Fed Chair Powell's remarks at the Jackson Hole conference highlighted concerns over a weakening labor market, suggesting a need for policy adjustment despite ongoing inflation risks [3] Group 2 - The current U.S. administration has exerted significant political pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, with the President publicly criticizing rate policies [4] - Internal divisions within the Federal Reserve have emerged, with two board members appointed by the current President advocating for immediate rate cuts [4] - A recent personnel change at the Federal Reserve, with the dismissal of a sitting board member and the nomination of a rate-cut supporter, could further influence monetary policy direction [4] Group 3 - Economic data indicates a weakening labor market, with July non-farm payrolls dropping to 73,000 and labor force participation rate falling to 62.2%, prompting a shift in the Fed's policy stance [5] - Despite the labor market slowdown, inflation pressures remain, with July CPI rising 2.7% year-over-year and PPI increasing 3.3%, presenting a challenge for the Fed to balance between addressing unemployment and inflation risks [5]

Group 1 - On September 2, spot gold surged to $3,500 per ounce, marking a historic high and a more than 32% increase since the beginning of the year, with a single-day rise of over 1%, the largest daily increase since 2025 [2][3] - The largest gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust, saw its holdings exceed 1,100 tons, reaching a new high for the year, while global central bank gold purchases increased by 20% year-on-year [3] Group 2 - The surge in gold prices is driven by three major crises: a crisis of trust in the US dollar, the looming threat of stagflation, and escalating geopolitical tensions [5] - The US dollar is facing a credibility crisis, exacerbated by dovish comments from the Federal Reserve Chairman and weak economic data, leading to a 100% market bet on a rate cut in September [5] - Stagflation risks are rising, with persistent global inflation, particularly in the US and Europe, driving investors towards gold as an inflation hedge [5] - Geopolitical tensions, particularly the intensifying Ukraine crisis and attacks on energy facilities, have led to increased safe-haven demand for gold [5] Group 3 - For ordinary investors, it is advisable to consider a phased entry into gold, particularly monitoring the support level at $3,400, while the long-term outlook remains strong with target prices projected between $3,700 and $4,000 [7] - The current gold price surge is viewed as a reflection of global economic fractures rather than a mere wealth game, indicating significant asset testing amid a declining dollar and rising inflation [7]

Group 1: Economic Indicators - The latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year in July, indicating persistent inflationary pressure[4] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) surged by 0.9% month-on-month, reaching a three-year high with a year-on-year increase of 3.3%[4] - Non-farm payrolls added only 73,000 jobs in July, significantly below expectations, with an average of 35,000 jobs added over the past three months, down from 168,000 per month in 2024[4][5] Group 2: Powell's Key Points - Powell acknowledged the significant slowdown in the labor market, emphasizing that the downward pressure on employment could lead to increased layoffs and rising unemployment rates[5] - He highlighted that tariffs have pushed up prices for certain goods, with the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rising by 2.9% year-on-year as of July 2025[6] - Powell indicated that the balance of risks is shifting, suggesting that the Fed may prioritize supporting the labor market over solely focusing on inflation control[10] Group 3: Market Reactions - The bond market showed limited movement despite Powell's potential rate cut signals, possibly due to government intervention using tariff revenues to stabilize bond prices[11] - In contrast, the stock market reacted positively, with major indices rising significantly, particularly technology and growth stocks, reflecting investor optimism about liquidity support from the Fed[12] - The divergence in market reactions highlights differing expectations regarding future economic scenarios, with bond investors concerned about long-term inflation risks while stock investors focus on short-term liquidity improvements[16] Group 4: Implications for China - China should maintain ample macro policy space to respond to external shocks, given the rising uncertainty in US economic policies and global financial conditions[19] - Emphasis on expanding domestic demand is crucial for reducing reliance on external markets, which includes income distribution reforms and increased investment in new infrastructure and technology[20] - Strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international financial center can attract global capital and support technology financing, enhancing China's economic resilience[21]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve Governor Waller supports a 25 basis point rate cut in September and anticipates further cuts in the next 3 to 6 months, unless there is a significant deterioration in employment data and inflation remains controlled [1][2] - Several Federal Reserve officials have recently signaled a dovish stance, with New York Fed President Williams and San Francisco Fed President Daly indicating that rate cuts may be appropriate soon [1][2] - Fed Chair Powell's shift in tone at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium suggests that despite inflation risks, the Fed may lower rates in the coming months, indicating a need to adjust monetary policy based on economic outlook and risk balance [1][3] Group 2 - Chief Economist at Minsheng Bank, Wen Bin, notes that Powell's focus has shifted to the downside risks in the labor market, implying that the short-term risks of employment outweigh inflation risks [2] - The Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting results will be announced on September 17, with key employment and inflation data to be released on September 5 and September 11, respectively [2] - Market expectations for a 25 basis point rate cut in September have risen significantly, with an 86.4% probability according to FedWatch, up from 37.7% a month prior [3] Group 3 - Chief Economist Zhao Wei indicates that Powell's policy stance has shifted to a "neutral dovish" position, balancing the risks of stagflation, and suggests that the Fed may need to adjust its policy stance towards easing [3][4] - The necessity of a rate cut in September may depend on the unemployment rate remaining low and inflation not rebounding significantly; otherwise, the Fed may refrain from cutting rates [4] - The expectation of two rate cuts within the year remains a baseline assumption, with the possibility of consecutive cuts if economic slowdown continues in the fourth quarter [4]

Gold - The independence of the Federal Reserve is threatened as President Trump attempts to dismiss Fed Governor Cook, leading to market concerns reflected in the selling of U.S. Treasuries and rising bond yields, particularly in the 30-year Treasury [1] - The risk of stagflation is increasing, with rising long-term bond yields expected to push inflation higher while slowing economic growth [1] - Recent events surrounding Trump's dismissal of a Fed official are unprecedented in U.S. history and are likely to weaken the Fed's independence, which could favor gold prices due to political turmoil and rising rate cut expectations [1] - Technically, gold rebounded from $3320, with potential upward movement towards $3409 or a downward test of support at $3350 if it breaks below $3384 [1] Oil - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a decrease in crude oil inventories by 2.392 million barrels, compared to a previous decrease of 6.014 million barrels and an expectation of a 1.863 million barrel decrease, which is bullish for oil prices [2] - The end of the U.S. driving season and the reduction in oil inventories help alleviate concerns about oversupply [2] - The ongoing tariff battle between the U.S. and India is significant, with Trump raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, pressuring India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil [2] - Technically, oil prices rebounded from around $63, with a potential upward target of $65 if it breaks above $64.20, while a drop below $63 would lead to a focus on $61.80 support [2] U.S. Dollar Index - New York Fed President Williams indicated that risks are becoming balanced, suggesting potential actions in future Fed meetings, which may hint at rate cuts and increase the likelihood of a weaker dollar [3] - The dollar is influenced by two main factors: expectations of Fed rate cuts and threats to the Fed's independence, which could exacerbate market volatility [3] - Technically, the dollar has been experiencing significant short-term fluctuations, with a downward trend from around 100, currently oscillating between 97.50 and 98.80, indicating a higher probability of further declines [3] Nikkei 225 - The Nikkei 225 index has been in a corrective phase since last week, finding support around 42120 and continuing its rebound [5] - The index faces resistance at 43200, and if it breaks this level, it may target the previous high of 43900, while support is noted at 42500 [5] Copper - Copper prices experienced a significant drop at the end of July, reversing previous gains, and have since maintained low-level fluctuations with weak rebound strength [6] - The resistance level at $4.50 is critical; failure to break above this could lead to a new round of declines [6] - Currently, copper is trading within a range of $4.32 to $4.50, suggesting a trading strategy of shorting at the high and going long at the low until a breakout occurs [6]

Group 1: Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy Stance - The core viewpoint of Powell's speech indicates a shift to a "neutral dovish" stance compared to the previous "neutral hawkish" position, highlighting a fragile balance in the labor market with rising risks of job losses [3][9][77] - Economic growth is slowing, with the actual GDP growth rate for the first half of 2025 at 1.2%, half of that in 2024, primarily due to a slowdown in consumer spending [10][11] - The labor market shows a significant decline in job creation, with an average of only 35,000 jobs added per month over the past three months, down from 168,000 in 2024, indicating a weakening supply-demand balance [10][11] Group 2: Long-term Monetary Policy Framework - Powell introduced a revised long-term monetary policy framework, reaffirming a 2% inflation target and a broad maximum employment goal, marking a return to a more traditional approach [4][22][78] - The 2025 statement serves as a retrospective confirmation of the Fed's monetary policy strategy, emphasizing the need to balance inflation and employment amid the current "stagflation" challenges [4][25][78] Group 3: Interest Rate Cut Expectations and Risks - Following Powell's speech, expectations for a rate cut in September surged, with implied probabilities rising from 72% to 94%, and the anticipated number of cuts for 2025 increasing from 1.9 to 2.2 times [5][31][79] - The key to whether the September rate cut materializes lies not in Powell's statements but in the upcoming non-farm payroll report and inflation data [42][79] - The anticipated macroeconomic scenario for 2026 suggests persistent inflation and a stabilizing economy, with potential risks of rising long-term Treasury yields and a reversal in the dollar's value [53][79]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole conference indicates a shift towards a more dovish monetary policy stance, balancing the risks of stagflation with a focus on employment and inflation [2][3][9] - Powell's analysis highlights a "fragile balance" in the labor market, with both supply and demand weakening, leading to an increased risk of unemployment [3][11] - Inflation is influenced by tariffs, which Powell describes as having a clear but potentially "one-time" effect, necessitating close monitoring of their transmission and accumulation [3][17][18] Group 2 - The long-term monetary policy framework has been revised to return to a 2% inflation target and a broader maximum employment goal, moving away from the average inflation targeting introduced in 2020 [4][22][25] - The 2025 statement serves as a retrospective confirmation of the Fed's monetary policy strategy, acknowledging the current challenges of stagflation and the need to balance dual objectives of inflation and employment [4][25][30] - The Fed's interest rate cut expectations have risen significantly, with the implied probability of a September rate cut increasing from 72% to 94%, and the number of expected cuts for the year rising from 1.9 to 2.2 [5][31][42] Group 3 - The article discusses the potential risks associated with the Fed's rate cut expectations, particularly focusing on the labor market's performance and upcoming economic data releases [5][42][43] - The baseline scenario anticipates an increase in the unemployment rate to the range of 4.4-4.5%, which would support the case for two rate cuts within the year [5][43][48] - The long-term outlook for 2026 suggests that the market may be overly optimistic regarding the number of expected rate cuts, with a need to monitor the upward pressure on long-term Treasury yields and the risk of a reversal in the dollar's value [5][53][70]