Core Viewpoint - The resilience and potential of China's economy remain unchanged despite global economic challenges, achieving a 5.2% growth rate in 2023, positioning it as a stable and reliable source of global economic growth [1] Economic Performance - China's economy grew by 5.2% this year, showcasing its strong adaptability and resilience in the face of external uncertainties and challenges [1] - This growth rate ranks among the top in major economies globally, highlighting China's role as a stable driver of economic growth [1] External Challenges - The global economy is experiencing insufficient growth momentum, characterized by rising trade protectionism, geopolitical conflicts, and international trade frictions [1] - These external factors have intensified the adverse impacts on domestic effective demand, leading to operational difficulties for some enterprises [1] Internal Strengths - The long-term stable development of China's economy is attributed to a combination of systemic advantages, supply advantages, demand advantages, and talent advantages, which work together to create a strong synergy [1]

Core Insights - The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Thailand is launching a new strategic plan to strengthen the non-life insurance sector in response to increasing disaster risks and challenges posed by an aging population [1][2] - The Fifth Insurance Development Plan (2026-2030) aims to create an insurance system that serves as a pillar for national economic resilience and risk management, ensuring the industry can effectively address emerging domestic and international challenges [1] Group 1 - The plan addresses challenges such as climate change, severe natural disasters, Thailand's transition to a super-aged society, and the accelerated digital transformation within the insurance industry [1] - The insurance sector in Thailand has undergone significant changes due to previous national development plans that provided a stable environment for adaptation amid economic and social transformations [1] Group 2 - The new plan is designed to be a comprehensive policy framework that positions the insurance industry as a core mechanism for managing economic and social risks, promoting sustainable growth, and advancing public interest [2] - The implementation of this roadmap is expected to lead the Thai insurance industry towards greater resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development, enhancing its role as a national safety net against economic shocks, climate risks, and demographic changes [2]

Core Insights - JPMorgan Chase & Co. reported strong third-quarter results with a net income of $14.4 billion, or $5.07 per share, representing a 12% year-over-year increase, surpassing the analyst estimate of $4.84 per share [1] - The company's sales reached $47.12 billion, exceeding expectations of $45.39 billion, with managed revenue rising 9% [1] - Net interest income increased by 2% to $24.1 billion, while noninterest revenue climbed 16% to $23.0 billion [1] Management Commentary - Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon noted signs of softening in job growth but emphasized the overall resilience of the U.S. economy, while highlighting uncertainties related to geopolitical conditions, tariffs, trade, elevated asset prices, and inflation risks [2] Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, JPMorgan shares rose by 2.3% to $309.00 [2] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Morgan Stanley analyst Betsy Graseck maintained an Equal-Weight rating on JPMorgan Chase and raised the price target from $336 to $338 [4] - Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintained an Overweight rating and increased the price target from $330 to $342 [4]

Group 1: Investment Stability - The excavator index shows positive trends, with an average operating rate of 43.42% in August, and 17 provinces exceeding 50% [1] - Excavator sales reached 154,181 units in the first eight months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 17.2%, with domestic sales at 80,628 units, up 21.5% [1] - Major projects like the Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project and rural road reconstruction are expected to significantly boost demand for cranes and other equipment [2] Group 2: Logistics Activity - From January to August, the total social logistics volume reached 229.4 trillion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 5.2%, with August showing a 4.8% increase [2] - Industrial logistics grew by 5.5% year-on-year, with equipment manufacturing logistics demand increasing by 8.1% [2] - Consumer logistics remained stable, with a 6.5% year-on-year increase in logistics for goods, indicating a recovery in consumer-related logistics demand [2] Group 3: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) - The SME Development Index rose to 89.1 in August, indicating a gradual recovery in market demand and investment willingness among SMEs [3] - The small enterprise Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) improved to 48.2%, reflecting an increase in business sentiment [3] - Experts suggest that policies should be implemented to stimulate demand and improve the operating environment for SMEs to enhance their growth potential [4]

Group 1: PMI and Economic Indicators - In September 2025, the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 49.8%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from the previous month, indicating an improvement in manufacturing sentiment[1] - The production index for September was reported at 51.9%, up from 50.8% in August, reflecting a significant rebound in production activity[2] - The supply-demand gap widened to 2.2 percentage points, indicating that production continues to outpace demand[2] Group 2: Price and Inventory Trends - The PMI for factory prices and raw material purchase prices decreased to 48.2% and 53.2%, respectively, with a notable drop in factory prices attributed to changes in consumer subsidy policies[3] - The average price of rebar, hot-rolled coils, and wire rods fell by 1.83%, 1.48%, and 4.1% month-on-month, reaching 3264 CNY/ton, 3406 CNY/ton, and 3205 CNY/ton respectively[3] - Finished goods inventory index increased by 1.4 percentage points to 48.2%, indicating a tight balance in inventory levels[4] Group 3: Business Performance by Size - Large enterprises saw an increase in their index by 0.5 percentage points to 50.8%, while small enterprises rose by 1.6 percentage points to 48.2%[4] - Medium-sized enterprises experienced a slight decline of 0.1 percentage points to 48.8%[4] - The construction sector's business activity index rose to 49.3%, but both housing and civil engineering indices remained below 50%, indicating ongoing challenges[4] Group 4: Future Outlook - The September PMI rebound and production expansion suggest economic resilience, but the continuous contraction in PMI over six months highlights underlying economic pressures[5] - The fluctuation in inventory indices indicates that the economy has not yet stabilized to provide firms with consistent expectations[5] - Future export pressures and the impact of subsidy policies on production and pricing remain critical factors for economic health[7]

Market Overview - Global major stock markets continued to rise, supported by unexpectedly strong U.S. consumer spending data, alleviating concerns about economic resilience and improving overall risk sentiment [1] - U.S. stock indices saw slight gains, with the Dow Jones and Russell 2000 indices performing particularly well, while European markets also recorded widespread increases [1] Key Market Movements - S&P 500 Index rose by 0.28% to 6,715.50 points - Dow Jones Index increased by 0.65% to 46,247.29 points - Nasdaq 100 Index gained 0.36% to 24,815.75 points - Russell 2000 Index climbed 0.97% to 2,434.32 points - The rise in U.S. consumer spending data eased direct concerns about growth resilience, supporting the stock market [5] - U.S. Treasury yields remained relatively stable after earlier fluctuations, providing breathing room for the market and improving sentiment towards risk assets [5] Commodity Prices - WTI crude oil rose by 0.45% to $65.21 per barrel, driven by supply risks from ongoing export restrictions in Russia and concerns over Middle Eastern supply [5] - Gold futures increased by 1.02% to $3,775.30 per ounce, supported by ongoing uncertainties regarding Federal Reserve policy and inflation risks [5] European Market Performance - The FTSE 100 Index rose by 0.77% to 9,284.83 points - DAX (Germany) increased by 0.87% to 23,739.47 points - CAC 40 (France) gained 0.97% to 7,870.68 points - The European Stoxx 50 Index rose by 1.01% to 5,449.70 points, reflecting strong performance in energy and commodity stocks due to rising oil prices [5] Notable Stock Movements - Electronic Arts (EA) surged approximately 15% on reports of a potential acquisition offer, sparking speculation and interest in the gaming sector [5] - Boeing (BA) rose about 4% following reports that the FAA may ease some production restrictions on the 737 MAX and 787 aircraft, improving delivery prospects [5] - NIO (NIO) fell approximately 6% due to ongoing losses and pricing pressures in the Chinese electric vehicle market, overshadowing optimism regarding policy support [5] Upcoming Focus - Market attention is shifting towards macroeconomic data, including key U.S. inflation (PCE), consumer confidence, and manufacturing data, which will test market confidence in the Federal Reserve's next steps [6] - The commodity market may remain volatile in response to oil supply disruptions and demand hopes, with gold potentially attracting safe-haven funds if inflation surprises or geopolitical tensions escalate [6]

Core Insights - The 190th Munich Beer Festival attracted approximately 6.7 million visitors, generating an economic value of around €1.57 billion, showcasing its cultural significance and economic impact [1][7] Pricing Trends - The average price of beer at this year's festival increased by approximately 3.52% compared to 2024, ranging from €14.50 to €15.80 per liter, more than doubling from €6.80 per liter in 2005 [3] - Food prices also saw significant increases, with a half chicken priced around €20 and traditional Bavarian meals exceeding €30 per person, while some items like the giant pork knuckle reached €229, marking the highest food price in the festival's history [3] - Transportation and accommodation costs surged, with hotel prices in central Munich doubling during the festival, and train fares from Frankfurt to Munich rising from about €50 to €80 [3] Cost Pressures on Breweries - The German beer industry is facing substantial cost pressures, with production costs rising at an average annual rate of about 6% since 2020, driven by raw materials, packaging, and labor costs [5] - The profit margins for breweries are being squeezed, with a 12% gap between production costs and selling prices, significantly impacting profitability [5] - Energy costs remain high, with Germany having some of the highest electricity and gas prices in Europe, further increasing operational expenses for breweries [5] Market Dynamics - Beer consumption in Germany has declined by 35% over the past 31 years, while the non-alcoholic beer market has experienced significant growth, with non-alcoholic Pilsner sales increasing by about 9% in the first half of 2025 [6] - The festival's economic benefits extend beyond direct beer sales, with approximately 60% of the revenue generated from spending outside the festival grounds, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and retail sectors in Munich [7]

Economic Growth - South Africa's GDP grew by 0.8% in Q2 2025, marking the strongest growth quarter in nearly two years, indicating robust economic momentum [1][5] - The growth follows a slight increase of 0.1% in Q1 2025, demonstrating a continuation of positive economic trends [1] Sector Performance - Key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and trade led the supply-side growth, while household consumption and reduced imports contributed to demand-side growth [2] - Manufacturing output increased by 1.8%, driven by the automotive, petroleum, chemicals, rubber, and plastics sectors [2] - Mining output rose by 3.7%, the fastest growth since Q1 2021, with platinum group metals, gold, and chrome contributing significantly [2] - The trade, accommodation, and food services sectors grew by 1.7%, reaching the highest level since Q1 2022 [2] - Agriculture continued its positive trend with a third consecutive quarter of growth, supported by increased horticultural and livestock activities [2] Consumer Activity - Household consumption has shown consistent growth for five consecutive quarters, with a 0.8% increase in Q2 2025, fueled by spending in dining, hospitality, clothing, and insurance [2][4] - The retail trade, automotive trade, and food and beverage sectors also experienced growth, contributing positively to the overall economic performance [4] Challenges and Declines - Despite the overall growth, there were declines in demand for alcoholic beverages and housing-related services, as well as a drop in wholesale trade [3] - The construction sector contracted for the third consecutive quarter, with a decline of 0.3%, and transportation, storage, and communication sectors also saw a decrease of 0.8% [3] - Fixed capital investment fell by 1.4%, marking a third consecutive quarter of decline [3] Government Response and Outlook - The South African government views the Q2 2025 economic data as a sign of resilience amid global trade challenges, emphasizing the effectiveness of policies aimed at stimulating growth and supporting local industries [4][5] - Economic analysts predict a moderate acceleration in South Africa's economy, despite the low growth rate, indicating an overall improving trend [5]

Core Points - The China-ASEAN Expo plays a crucial role in unlocking the economic cooperation potential between China and ASEAN countries [1] - Malaysia is committed to close collaboration with China and ASEAN to explore new cooperation opportunities [1] - The 22nd China-ASEAN Expo has become an important platform for promoting trade and investment, enhancing mutual trust, and strengthening regional connectivity [1] Group 1 - The Expo showcases a wide range of products from Malaysia, including those in education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, and construction materials [1] - This year, the completion of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the commitment to strengthen supply chain connectivity, promote digital transformation, and enhance economic resilience [1] Group 2 - In the face of global uncertainties, ASEAN and China must continue to diversify trade and investment strategies while promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region [2] - As the rotating chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia aims to create a vibrant, competitive, integrated, and resilient region while maintaining ASEAN's central role and enhancing regional cooperation [2]

Domestic Macro - Demand Side - In September, the retail sales of passenger cars reached 304,000 units, a year-on-year decrease of 10.3% and a month-on-month decrease of 3.8%[1] - As of September 12, the average number of domestic flights was 12,800, a month-on-month decrease of 12.6% and a year-on-year decrease of 0.01%[1] - The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) averaged 2023.7, a month-on-month increase of 1.12% and a year-on-year increase of 2.84%[1] Domestic Macro - Production Side - As of September 13, the average operating rate of blast furnaces rebounded by 3.47 percentage points to 83.58%[1] - The operating rate of rebar production averaged 42.62%, a month-on-month decrease of 1.26 percentage points[2] - The operating rate of PTA production increased by 5.47 percentage points to 74.95%[1] Price Performance - As of September 12, the average wholesale price of pork increased by 0.14% week-on-week, while the price of eggs rose by 2.41% week-on-week[1] - The PPI for August showed a year-on-year increase of 2.6%[4] - WTI crude oil prices decreased by 1.87% and Brent crude oil prices decreased by 1.22% as of September 12[2] Monetary and Liquidity - The central bank will conduct a 600 billion yuan reverse repurchase operation on September 15, with a net injection of 300 billion yuan for the month[3] - The average daily transaction volume of interbank pledged repos increased to 7.5 trillion yuan[3] - The 10-year government bond yield rose to 1.8670%, an increase of 4 basis points[3] Overseas Macro and Market - The U.S. CPI for August rose by 2.9% year-on-year, in line with expectations[4] - The initial jobless claims in the U.S. surged to 263,000, the highest level since October 2021[4] - The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for September fell to 55.4, the lowest since May of this year[4]