Group 1: Employment Data Overview - In August, the U.S. non-farm payrolls added only 22,000 jobs, significantly below the expected 75,000[2] - The unemployment rate rose to a new high of 4.3%, aligning with market expectations, while the labor force participation rate increased to 62.3%[3] - The June employment figure was revised down by 27,000 to a negative growth of -13,000 jobs[3] Group 2: Sector Performance - Employment in cyclical industries decreased by 48,000 jobs, a decline that expanded by 26,000 jobs compared to the previous month[3] - Non-cyclical industries added 24,000 jobs, but this was a decrease of 52,000 jobs compared to June[3] - The education and health services sector saw a slowdown, with only 46,000 jobs added in August compared to 77,000 in July[20] Group 3: Federal Reserve Implications - Following the employment data release, market sentiment shifted from "rate cut trading" to "recession trading"[5] - The probability of a 50 basis point rate cut in September rose to 11%, with expectations for three rate cuts within the year increasing from 2.4 to 2.8 times[5] - The baseline scenario suggests two rate cuts by the end of the year, contingent on the unemployment rate rising to 4.6% or higher[5] Group 4: Market Reactions - The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell by 10 basis points to approximately 4.06% following the data release[5] - The U.S. dollar index depreciated to 97.5, while spot gold prices surged past $3,600 per ounce[5] - The S&P 500 index rose by 0.3%, and the Hang Seng index increased by 1.4% during the week[6]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that the U.S. non-farm payroll data for August significantly underperformed expectations, with only 22,000 jobs added compared to the forecast of 75,000, and the unemployment rate rising to a new high of 4.3% [1][6][8] - The employment situation across most sectors has deteriorated, particularly in cyclical industries, which saw a reduction of 48,000 jobs, a decline that expanded by 26,000 from the previous month [1][6][10] - The private sector added only 38,000 jobs in August, which is also below expectations, while the government sector saw a decrease of 16,000 jobs [1][6][10] Group 2 - The labor market is currently characterized by a fragile balance of weak supply and demand, with the unemployment rate expected to continue rising slightly [2][14][23] - The credibility of the August non-farm data is questioned due to a low response rate of 56.7%, the lowest in recent years, and historical trends suggest that these figures may be revised upwards in subsequent months [2][14][20] - Leading indicators, such as small business hiring plans and unemployment claims, suggest that the labor market still possesses some resilience, indicating that a significant deterioration is not imminent [2][14][23] Group 3 - Following the release of the non-farm data, market sentiment shifted from "rate cut trading" to "recession trading," with expectations for a 50 basis point rate cut in September rising to 11% [3][6][14] - The market anticipates two rate cuts by the end of the year, although the likelihood of three cuts hinges on the unemployment rate reaching 4.6% or higher, which remains a low probability scenario [3][6][14] - The current equilibrium level of job additions in the U.S. labor market is projected to fall to between 30,000 and 80,000 jobs per month, with the unemployment rate likely to rise if job additions remain at the low level of 22,000 [2][23][32]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that during the US interest rate cut cycle, Hong Kong stocks may exhibit better resilience than US stocks, benefiting from improved liquidity and risk appetite, with a focus on TMT, energy, and telecommunications sectors [1] - The current trading mode is primarily characterized by stagflation trading, with a potential shift towards easing trading scenarios and recession trading scenarios [1] - Under stagflation trading, Hong Kong stocks have shown higher gains (close to those in easing trading), while US stocks have seen slight increases (similar to recovery trading), and US Treasury yields have declined (approaching recession trading declines) [1] Group 2 - The Hong Kong Technology ETF (513020) tracks the Hong Kong Stock Connect Technology Index (931573), which selects the top 30 securities by market capitalization from technology-related listed companies traded through Stock Connect, reflecting the overall performance of the technology sector in Hong Kong [1] - The index emphasizes information technology and hardware sectors, showcasing a balanced allocation across multiple tracks [1] - Investors without stock accounts can consider the Cathay CSI Hong Kong Stock Connect Technology ETF Initiated Link A (015739) and Link C (015740) [1]

Group 1 - Recent fluctuations in the US stock market were driven by employment data, initially causing a decline due to recession fears, followed by a rebound as the market anticipated interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve to support economic growth [2][3] - Major US indices showed significant changes: S&P 500 dropped by 1.60% last week but rose by 1.47% this week, while the Nasdaq fell by 2.24% and then increased by 1.95% [3] - The concept of "rate cut trading" and "recession trading" reflects market reactions to economic data, with the former indicating expectations of lower interest rates and the latter signaling concerns about economic downturns [3] Group 2 - Historical analysis reveals that the US has experienced three significant rate cut cycles since 2000, each initiated during economic difficulties [6][8] - The first rate cut cycle (2001-2003) was marked by the burst of the internet bubble and subsequent economic challenges, leading to a total reduction of 550 basis points in the federal funds rate [14][12] - The second cycle (2007-2008) was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis, with the rate cut reaching a historic low of 0.25% after a cumulative reduction of 500 basis points [18][16] - The third cycle (2019-2020) was characterized by a relatively stable economy, with rate cuts primarily aimed at preemptively addressing trade tensions and economic slowdown, culminating in a total reduction of 225 basis points [25][22] Group 3 - Asset performance during these rate cut cycles showed consistent trends: equity markets typically declined during the rate cuts due to underlying economic challenges, while fixed income and gold assets generally appreciated [30][31] - Current economic indicators suggest that the likelihood of a severe recession is lower compared to previous cycles, potentially reducing the risk of significant declines in equity markets during the upcoming rate cut [40][39] - The anticipated rate cuts may negatively impact the US dollar index, as increased money supply typically leads to currency depreciation [41]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent fluctuations in the US stock market, highlighting the impact of employment data and the anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which has led to a shift from "recession trading" to "rate cut trading" [5][6]. Group 1: Market Reactions - In early August, the S&P 500 index fell by 1.60%, while by August 4, it had risen by 1.47%, indicating a significant market reversal [6]. - The Nasdaq index experienced a drop of 2.24% on August 1, followed by a recovery of 1.95% by August 4 [6]. - The 2-year US Treasury yield decreased by 25.5 basis points initially, then only by 2.7 basis points, reflecting changing investor sentiment [6]. Group 2: Economic Context - The article explains the concepts of "rate cut trading" and "recession trading," noting that they are responses to economic data but in opposite directions [7][9]. - Rate cut trading occurs when the Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates, which generally supports risk assets, while recession trading happens during economic downturns, negatively impacting risk assets [10]. Group 3: Historical Rate Cut Cycles - The article reviews three historical rate cut cycles since 2000, noting that each was initiated during economic difficulties [14][16]. - The first cycle (2001-2003) saw a cumulative rate cut of 550 basis points, with the S&P 500 dropping 26.19% during the rate cut period [21][22]. - The second cycle (2007-2008) involved a 500 basis point cut, with the S&P 500 declining 38.72% during the rate cut period [26]. - The third cycle (2019-2020) was different as it began without a significant recession, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to further cuts [27][29]. Group 4: Current Economic Indicators - Recent employment data showed a significant downward revision, with July's non-farm payrolls at 73,000, well below expectations [39]. - The downward revision reflects a cooling job market, potentially influenced by tariff policies affecting hiring [40][41]. - The article suggests that the current economic environment may not indicate a severe recession, which could mitigate risks for equity assets [45][47]. Group 5: Asset Performance Expectations - The article outlines expected asset performance during the current and past rate cut cycles, noting that equities typically decline during rapid rate cuts due to underlying economic challenges [33]. - Fixed income assets like US Treasuries generally perform well during rate cuts, while gold tends to rise due to its safe-haven status [34][35]. - The current environment suggests that while equities may face some pressure, the absence of a significant global crisis could provide some support [47].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential risks and uncertainties facing the U.S. economy in the second half of 2025, particularly focusing on the impact of tariffs and the "Beautiful America Act" on economic performance and market behavior [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Outlook - The IMF has revised down the global GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 2.8%, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from January, with the U.S. forecast lowered from 2.7% to 1.8%, a drop of 0.9 percentage points [1]. - There is a need to guard against the risk of an unexpected economic downturn, especially if the unemployment rate rises to the range of 4.4% to 4.6%, which could trigger a "recession trade" in the market [2][5]. Group 2: Tariffs and Legislative Impact - The two main themes for the second half of 2025 are the verification of tariff data and the potential impact of the "Beautiful America Act" [2]. - The introduction of Tariff 2.0 has increased uncertainty regarding trade, industrial production, and economic growth in the latter half of the year [1]. Group 3: Currency Dynamics - The article suggests that under the influence of a slowing U.S. economy and anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, the U.S. dollar may further depreciate, leading to a passive appreciation of the Renminbi against the dollar [8]. - If the U.S. moves towards fiscal balance following the implementation of the "Beautiful America Act," it could create additional space for interest rate cuts, potentially continuing the trend of gradual dollar depreciation [8].

Group 1 - The unexpected performance of the non-farm employment data has ignited market expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [2][3] - In July, the U.S. non-farm sector added only 73,000 jobs, significantly below expectations, with the unemployment rate slightly rising to 4.2% [2] - The downward revisions of previous months' non-farm employment data have further fueled the anticipation of a rate cut, with the probability of a 25 basis point cut in September reaching 94.4% [2][3] Group 2 - The bond market has reacted to the softening labor market, with yields on U.S. Treasury bonds declining across the board, indicating a shift in market pricing towards policy changes and economic downturn [2][4] - The recent adjustments in employment data have led to a "recession trade," with U.S. stocks experiencing corrections while safe-haven assets like gold and U.S. Treasuries have risen [4] - Despite the signs of economic weakness, the current situation does not equate to an imminent recession, as some indicators show potential recovery in employment and manufacturing [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - The unexpected performance of the non-farm employment data has ignited market expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, leading to a significant rally in the U.S. Treasury market [1][5]. Group 1: Non-Farm Employment Data - In July, the U.S. non-farm sector added only 73,000 jobs, significantly below expectations, with the unemployment rate slightly rising to 4.2% [6]. - The non-farm employment figures for May and June were drastically revised downwards, with May's jobs revised from 144,000 to just 19,000, and June's from 147,000 to 14,000 [6]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the release of the non-farm data, the 2-year Treasury yield fell over 25 basis points from 3.953% to 3.696%, while the 5-year yield dropped over 20 basis points from 3.967% to 3.755% [4]. - The 10-year and 30-year Treasury yields also saw declines of over 15 and 20 basis points, respectively, reflecting a broad-based drop in yields across the curve [4]. Group 3: Interest Rate Expectations - According to CME's FedWatch, the probability of the Federal Reserve maintaining rates in September is only 5.6%, while the probability of a 25 basis point cut is 94.4% [6]. - The market has priced in a high likelihood of rate cuts in September, a shift from less than 40% before the non-farm data release [7]. Group 4: Economic Outlook - Despite the weak employment data, some analysts caution that the current "recession trade" does not equate to an actual recession, as other economic indicators, such as average hourly earnings, have shown improvement [9][10]. - The overall economic slowdown, indicated by recent employment and GDP data, provides conditions for the Federal Reserve to consider rate cuts [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the recent U.S. non-farm payroll data and the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates, highlighting increasing divisions within the Fed regarding potential rate cuts and the resulting impact on global markets [2][3][7]. Economic Indicators - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to keep the federal funds rate at 4.25% to 4.5%, marking a period of inaction since Trump's presidency [3][6]. - The U.S. added only 73,000 jobs in July, significantly below the expected 104,000, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.2% [3][6][7]. - Revisions to previous months' non-farm payroll data showed a downward adjustment of 258,000 jobs, indicating a weakening labor market [3][6]. Market Reactions - The weak employment data triggered a "recession trade" in global equity markets, leading to declines in most equity assets and significant drops in metal commodities [3][6][7]. - The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell by 17 basis points to 4.23%, while the U.S. dollar index saw a slight increase, remaining below 100 [3][6][7]. Fund Flows - There was a notable outflow of capital from the Chinese stock market, with domestic investors withdrawing $3.085 billion, while foreign investors saw an inflow of $882 million [3][6]. - In the past week, global funds saw significant inflows into U.S. and European markets, while Chinese equity funds experienced substantial outflows [3][9]. Valuation Metrics - The Earnings Risk Premium (ERP) for the CSI 300 index rose to 64%, indicating a slight recovery in valuation attractiveness compared to historical levels [3][6]. - The risk-adjusted returns for the CSI 300 increased from 71% to 79%, while the S&P 500's risk-adjusted returns remained stable at 48% [3][6]. Sector Performance - In the U.S. equity market, funds flowed into financials, industrials, and infrastructure sectors, while healthcare, energy, and technology sectors saw outflows [11]. - In the Chinese market, capital flowed into financials, technology, and materials sectors, with outflows from real estate, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors [11].

Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content provided Core Views of the Report - Copper: With the domestic bullish sentiment cooling and the US dollar index rebounding, copper prices are under pressure. The US tariff policy excluding refined copper and the unexpected US non - farm payrolls data have mixed impacts. Continued attention is needed on whether overseas markets trade on recession. In China, it's the off - season for the industry, and inventory reduction at low levels has slowed. Short - term Shanghai copper is at the July low, and technical support at this level should be monitored [2][56] - Aluminum: The domestic bullish sentiment has cooled, and aluminum prices have declined. The unexpected US non - farm payrolls data has a relatively small impact on aluminum prices. Attention should be paid to whether overseas markets conduct recession trading. At the industrial level, it's the off - season for downstream industries, the operating rate has dropped, and electrolytic aluminum social inventory has been rising. In the short term, with macro cooling and industrial inventory accumulation, aluminum prices are weak, and attention should be paid to the July low - level technical support [3][56] Summary Based on the Table of Contents 1. Macro Factors - Overseas: The non - farm payrolls data was unexpectedly poor, leading to a significant decline in risk appetite [7] - Domestic: After the Politburo meeting, there was a strong willingness among bulls to close their positions [7] 2. Copper 2.1 Quantity - Price Trends - With the cooling of domestic bullish sentiment and the rebound of the US dollar index, copper prices have been under pressure. The US tariff policy and non - farm payrolls data have had mixed impacts on copper prices [2][56] 2.2 Copper Ore Processing Fees Maintained at a Low Level - Since January, copper ore processing fees have been continuously decreasing, reflecting both a tight copper ore supply and over - capacity in smelting. The domestic copper ore port inventory is similar to that of the same period last year, indicating an expected tight supply at the domestic mine end and that the low TC is mainly due to over - capacity in smelting [22] 2.3 Electrolytic Copper Inventory Reduction Slowed - In the domestic off - season, the reduction of electrolytic copper inventory at low levels has slowed [2][27][56] 2.4 Downstream Initial Stage - No specific analysis content provided other than the figure of copper downstream monthly capacity utilization 3. Aluminum 3.1 Quantity - Price Trends - The domestic bullish sentiment cooled, and aluminum prices declined. The impact of the unexpected US non - farm payrolls data on aluminum prices was relatively small [3][56] 3.2 Upstream Industrial Chain - No specific analysis content provided other than figures related to bauxite port inventory and alumina price 3.3 Electrolytic Aluminum Inventory Accumulation - In the off - season for downstream industries, the operating rate has dropped, and electrolytic aluminum social inventory has been rising [3][56] 3.4 Downstream Initial Stage - No specific analysis content provided other than figures related to aluminum rod capacity utilization, 6063 aluminum rod processing fees, and 6063 aluminum rod inventory 4. Conclusion - Copper: Similar to the core view, copper prices are under pressure due to various factors, and attention should be paid to overseas recession trading and low - level technical support [2][56] - Aluminum: Similar to the core view, aluminum prices are weak due to macro cooling and industrial inventory accumulation, and attention should be paid to overseas recession trading and low - level technical support [3][56]