Core Viewpoint - Recent fluctuations in the US Treasury market are influenced by multiple factors, leading to rising long-term yields while short-term rate cut expectations diminish [1] Group 1: Interest Rate Trends - Long-term US Treasury yields have increased, with the 10-year yield rising by 9 basis points to 4.44% over two weeks [1] - The yield curve has steepened, with the 30-year yield increasing by 14 basis points [1] - The Federal Reserve's internal divisions have created uncertainty regarding future interest rate paths, impacting market expectations [1] Group 2: Treasury Issuance and Fiscal Position - In early July, there was a slight decrease in short-term Treasury issuance, while long-term issuance saw a minor increase [1] - The US recorded a fiscal surplus of $27.01 billion in June, with a 12-month cumulative deficit slightly decreasing to $1.90 trillion [1] Group 3: Market Positioning and Speculation - As of July 15, net short positions in Treasury futures have slightly decreased to 5.74 million contracts, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [1] - The Federal funds futures market transitioned from net short to net long positions, rising to 49,300 contracts, reflecting increased expectations for a rate cut by the Federal Reserve [1] Group 4: Liquidity and Economic Indicators - The Treasury General Account (TGA) balance decreased by $60.15 billion over two weeks, while the Federal Reserve's reverse repo tool shrank by $56.45 billion, indicating a release of liquidity [1] - The Federal Reserve's weekly indicator showed a reading of 2.37, suggesting a stabilization in the short-term outlook [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the recent easing of tensions in the Middle East has led to a decline in gold prices, with international gold prices dropping from $3,450 to the $3,300-$3,200 range [1] - The gold market is currently facing a complex interplay of policy and geopolitical factors, with the Federal Reserve's recent decision to maintain interest rates causing confusion in market expectations [3] - Seasonal factors are also influencing the gold market, as summer is traditionally a low-demand season for gold, but geopolitical risks may limit the extent of price declines compared to previous years [3] Group 2 - The recent reduction in geopolitical tensions has shifted market focus to the Federal Reserve's policy direction, with internal divisions among Fed officials contributing to gold price volatility [4] - A key variable that may impact gold prices is the upcoming expiration of the U.S. tariff pause on China, which could either increase inflation expectations and boost gold's appeal or lead to a decrease in demand for gold if risk appetite improves [4] - The period from July to early August is identified as a critical window for trading opportunities in the gold market, with promotional offers from leading gold trading platforms to attract investors [5]

Group 1 - The U.S. stock market experienced significant volatility due to Trump's tariff policies, entering a technical bear market in early April, but has since rebounded strongly, with all three major indices recovering losses and the Nasdaq approaching historical highs [1] - The S&P 500 recorded its best monthly performance of 2023, indicating a strong recovery despite ongoing trade tensions and tariff policy uncertainties [1] Group 2 - The U.S. CPI annual rate fell to 2.3%, the lowest in recent years, showing a continued decline in inflation, yet concerns about consumer confidence and policy uncertainty have led to warnings from several Federal Reserve officials about potential inflation and unemployment risks [3] - The U.S. GDP recorded negative growth in Q1, marking the worst performance since October 2022, raising concerns about stagflation, which poses greater risks than a simple recession [3] - The "Big and Beautiful Act" promoted by Trump is projected to reduce tax revenue by approximately $3.75 trillion over the next decade and increase the fiscal deficit by $2.4 trillion, leading to a downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating by Moody's [3] Group 3 - There is a significant divide within the Federal Reserve regarding policy direction, with dovish members viewing tariff impacts as temporary and advocating for a wait-and-see approach, while hawkish members emphasize the uncertainty of trade negotiations and advocate for maintaining stable interest rates [4] - The likelihood of interest rate cuts has been pushed back, with low probabilities for cuts in June, and potential cuts not expected until July or September, which may limit further gains in the stock market [4] - The stock market has shown signs of high-level consolidation, with the Dow Jones facing resistance around the 43,400 level [4]