Core Viewpoint - The article argues that Powell is engaging in a high-risk policy gamble by choosing to cut interest rates without clear signs of an impending recession, marking his third attempt at such a delicate maneuver during his tenure [2][3]. Economic Context - The decision to lower interest rates is largely attributed to a significant slowdown in the labor market, with revised data showing that the average job growth for three months in August dropped from an initial report of 150,000 to 29,000, indicating substantial underlying weakness [3]. - Some economists believe that the Federal Reserve's actions, including the recent 50 basis point cut, are not aggressive enough to address the current economic challenges [3]. Structural Changes and Risks - There are concerns that the Federal Reserve may misinterpret structural changes in the economy as temporary cyclical weakness, which could lead to excessive rate cuts [4]. - Policies from the Trump administration, such as immigration restrictions and increased tariffs, may be permanently altering the economy's production capacity, raising fears about the risks of over-lowering interest rates [4]. Political Pressure and Consensus - Powell faces significant political pressure while trying to maintain consensus within the Federal Reserve, which is a major test of his leadership [5]. - Despite differing views on the economic outlook, Powell has managed to keep the consensus intact, with three regional Federal Reserve bank presidents supporting the recent rate cut [5]. Future Challenges and Opportunities - The Federal Reserve is likely to face more contentious debates regarding interest rate predictions, with some members believing no further cuts are necessary this year [7]. - Powell acknowledges the dual risks of labor market weakness and persistent inflation, indicating that there is no risk-free path forward [7]. Historical Context and Potential Outcomes - The article outlines three potential outcomes of Powell's policy gamble, including the ideal scenario of a "soft landing" similar to the mid-1990s, the risk of igniting inflation similar to the late 1960s, and the historical failures of rate cuts to prevent recessions in 1990, 2001, and 2007 [8].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's September FOMC meeting resulted in a 25 basis point cut to the federal funds target rate, marking the first rate cut of the year, with expectations for two more cuts in 2025 [1][8] - The FOMC statement highlighted the risks of slowing employment growth, removing previous language indicating a solid labor market, and introducing concerns about downside risks to employment [1][8] - Economic projections were adjusted, with GDP forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 being raised, while unemployment rates for 2026 and 2027 were slightly lowered [9][10] Group 2 - Chairman Powell described the rate cut as a "risk management cut," indicating that there was no need for a significant reduction in rates and that future rate paths remain uncertain [2][13] - Powell noted that while the unemployment rate is still low, it has begun to rise, and employment growth is slowing due to factors such as reduced immigration and declining labor force participation [2][13] - Inflation expectations were adjusted, with Powell suggesting that the impact of tariffs on inflation is likely to be temporary, although there are still concerns about persistent inflation risks [2][13] Group 3 - Market reactions included a rise in U.S. Treasury yields and mixed performance in the stock market, reflecting the cautious tone of Powell regarding future rate cuts [3][14] - Following the FOMC announcement, market confidence in two additional rate cuts this year increased, with the probability of the federal funds rate reaching a range of 3.5%-3.75% by year-end rising to 79.9% [15][16] Group 4 - Three potential scenarios for future rate cuts were outlined: 1. Soft landing scenario, predicting two more cuts this year and three in 2026, with a stable economic outlook [4][19] 2. Recession scenario, where significant economic deterioration could lead to a larger cut of 50 basis points [4][19] 3. High inflation scenario, where persistent high inflation would necessitate maintaining higher rates for a longer period [4][19] - The soft landing scenario is considered the most likely, while the probabilities for recession and high inflation scenarios are viewed as lower [20]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00%-4.25%, marking the first rate cut since September 2024, which aligns with market expectations [2][3][4] Group 1: Federal Reserve's Rate Cut - The decision to cut rates was supported by many analysts, indicating it was anticipated by the market [2][3] - The Fed's dot plot suggests three rate cuts for the year, with the next expected in October and December [3][4] - The primary driver for the rate cut was weaker-than-expected non-farm payroll data, indicating a slowdown in the U.S. economy [3][4] Group 2: Economic Predictions and Market Reactions - The Fed raised GDP and inflation forecasts while lowering unemployment rate predictions [2][3] - Following the announcement, major asset prices experienced a V-shaped reversal, with little change in market expectations for future rate cuts [2][3] - The implied probability of a rate cut in October remains around 80%, with an average of 1.8 more cuts expected this year [2][3] Group 3: Divergence within the Federal Reserve - There are noticeable divisions within the Fed, with Chairman Powell seeking a suitable path for rate cuts amidst differing opinions [6][7] - The internal disagreements are exacerbated by external pressures, particularly from former President Trump, who has influenced Fed decisions through nominations [7][6] Group 4: Impacts on Financial Markets - Historical trends suggest that a Fed rate cut typically leads to an increase in stock prices, a decline in bond yields, and mixed effects on the dollar and gold prices [8][9] - The recent rate cut is expected to have a limited impact on asset performance due to already high market expectations [8][9] - The potential for a global wave of rate cuts may arise, with the Chinese central bank also having room for monetary easing [10]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided regarding the industry investment rating. 2. Core Views - The current expectation of interest rate cuts is the core driver for gold prices. US inflation and fundamental data are in line with this trend, causing gold prices to fluctuate at high levels. In the long - term, gold will still benefit from the contraction of the US dollar's credit [1][3]. - Although the continuous deterioration of non - farm data has temporarily suppressed the elasticity of silver prices, as the performance of US assets diverges and the market's trading of a soft landing continues to strengthen, silver prices are expected to challenge historical highs in the combination of a soft landing and interest rate cuts [3]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Price Logic - **Gold**: The expectation of interest rate cuts is the core driver. The 2 - year US Treasury bond has priced in the expectation of three interest rate cuts this year. Attention should be paid to the guidance of the quarterly FOMC meeting on the subsequent path. The central bank's gold - buying behavior continues, and geopolitical conflicts have resurfaced, which is favorable for gold allocation. In the long - term, gold benefits from the contraction of the US dollar's credit [3]. - **Silver**: The continuous deterioration of non - farm data has temporarily suppressed silver's elasticity. However, as the US recession expectation weakens, the obstacle to silver's elasticity is removed. Silver prices are expected to challenge historical highs in the combination of a soft landing and interest rate cuts [3]. 3.2 Outlook Next week, focus on the FOMC meeting guidance and US retail data. The weekly range for spot London gold is [3500, 3800], and for spot London silver is [39, 45] [3]. 3.3 Key Information - China and the US delegations are holding talks in Madrid to resolve trade tensions, and the US and China are close to reaching an agreement on TikTok [2]. - A drone invaded Romanian airspace during a Russian attack on Ukrainian infrastructure, forcing Romania to scramble fighter jets [2]. - The Fed will hold a policy meeting on September 16 - 17. There are uncertainties regarding the attendance list due to a lawsuit to dismiss a Fed governor and a pending Senate approval for a new appointment [2]. 3.4 Index Information - On September 15, 2025, the comprehensive index of the CITIC Futures Commodity Index is not detailed. The commodity index is 2239.53, up 0.50%; the commodity 20 index is 2507.34, up 0.37%; the industrial products index is 2254.68, up 0.90% [46]. - The precious metals index on September 15, 2025, has a daily decline of 0.27%, a 5 - day increase of 0.29%, a 1 - month increase of 7.34%, and a year - to - date increase of 31.79% [48].

Investment Highlights - Precious metals: Gold has reached a new historical high, with continued recommendations for investment. Recent weak economic data from the US has led to a decline in the dollar index, and gold is poised for an upward trend as it prepares for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Even if the meeting outcomes align with expectations, there is no need to rush to take profits, as the market is likely shifting from recession trading to stagflation trading, indicating a potential slow bull market for gold [2][3] - Copper: If interest rate cuts can facilitate a soft landing, copper prices may rise. LME copper has surpassed $10,000. Despite a weakening US economy, the market appears to be pricing in future stagflation or soft landing scenarios, leading to an upward trend in copper prices. With the domestic consumption peak approaching and downstream operating rates expected to improve, copper prices are likely to rise [2][3] - Aluminum: Continued optimism for rising aluminum prices. Shanghai aluminum prices have increased, driven by significant improvements in downstream operating rates, which have risen to 62.1%. Although the real estate sector remains sluggish, demand from the renewable energy sector is providing effective support. The mid-term impact of US aluminum tariffs is expected to be limited, and the long-term outlook for electrolytic aluminum remains positive [3] - Cobalt: Prices for cobalt intermediates continue to rise, with attention on the dynamics of electrolytic cobalt and policy changes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cobalt product prices have increased, with weekly growth rates of 4.55% for cobalt sulfate and 2.06% for electrolytic cobalt. The market anticipates further supply constraints due to upcoming policy changes in the DRC, which could drive prices higher [3] - Tin: Price increases driven by interest rate cut expectations and supply shortages. Tin prices rose by 2.70%, with operating rates for refined tin in Yunnan and Jiangxi provinces dropping to 28.48%. Supply constraints are expected to persist due to raw material shortages and seasonal maintenance [4] - Lithium: Prices under pressure due to the announcement of a resumption plan at the Jiangxi mine. Lithium prices have declined, primarily due to market expectations surrounding the resumption of production. However, supply growth is expected to slow, and demand from the energy storage sector remains strong, indicating a potential improvement in the carbonated lithium supply-demand balance [4] Investment Recommendations - Companies to watch include Huayou Cobalt, Zhongtung High-tech, Zhangyuan Tungsten, Hunan Gold, Huayu Mining, Shanjin International, Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining, Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Shenhuo Co., and Yun Aluminum [5]

Group 1 - The market anticipates the Federal Reserve will begin a new rate-cutting cycle on September 17, 2025, influenced by recent economic data indicating a softening job market and a moderated inflation rate, providing more room for rate cuts [1][3] - Gold is identified as a key asset benefiting from the expected rate cuts, with historical data showing strong performance during previous rate-cutting cycles, such as a 24% increase in gold prices in 2020 [1][4] - Central banks, particularly the People's Bank of China, have been increasing gold reserves for ten consecutive months, enhancing market demand for gold [1][4] Group 2 - Investors are encouraged to consider gold ETFs, such as the one tracking the AU9999 spot contract, which allows for T+0 trading, and gold stock ETFs that cover the entire gold industry chain [2] - The Hong Kong stock market is expected to benefit from global liquidity easing, with a potential rebalancing of global funds from dollar assets to Asian assets, particularly in technology and innovative drug sectors [2] - In the U.S. market, the anticipated rate cuts and expectations of a "soft landing" may lead to performance growth in tech giants driven by AI technology, although macroeconomic uncertainties could increase market volatility [3]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market" and is maintained [2] Core Views - The report emphasizes the strong performance of precious metals, particularly gold, which has reached a historical high. The expectation is for a shift from recession trading to stagflation trading, suggesting a potential slow bull market for gold [5] - Copper prices are expected to rise if interest rate cuts lead to a soft landing for the economy. The current market sentiment is pricing in stagflation or soft landing scenarios, with domestic consumption expected to increase as the peak season approaches [6] - Aluminum prices are also projected to rise due to increased downstream operating rates during the traditional peak season, despite ongoing challenges in the real estate sector [6] - Cobalt prices are on the rise, driven by strong demand and supply constraints, particularly with upcoming policy changes in the Democratic Republic of Congo [7] - Tin prices have increased due to supply shortages, with production rates in key provinces remaining low [7] - Lithium prices are under pressure due to the announcement of a resumption plan for a key mining area, although long-term demand remains strong [8] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The closing index for the industry is at 6795.38, with a weekly high of 6795.38 and a low of 3725.17 [2] Price Movements - Basic metals saw price increases: Copper up 1.49%, Aluminum up 2.80%, Zinc up 3.10%, Lead up 2.07%, and Tin up 2.70%. Precious metals also saw gains, with Gold up 0.46% and Silver up 3.20% [22] Inventory Levels - Global visible inventory changes: Copper increased by 7945 tons, Zinc increased by 2724 tons, while Lead decreased by 4085 tons [30]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article indicates that the CPI growth in August has rebounded due to food and energy, but the slow transmission of tariffs and stable service inflation suggest that inflation will not hinder the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts in the short term [1][2] - The August CPI in the U.S. showed a year-on-year increase of 2.9% (previous value 2.7%, expected 2.9%) and a month-on-month increase of 0.4% (previous value 0.2%, expected 0.3%) [1] - Core CPI remained stable with a year-on-year increase of 3.1% and a month-on-month increase of 0.3%, aligning with market expectations [1] Group 2 - Core goods saw a month-on-month increase from 0.2% to 0.3%, primarily driven by a rebound in used car prices (from 0.5% to 1.0%) [1] - The transmission of tariffs remains slow, with core goods excluding used cars maintaining a month-on-month growth rate of 0.17%, unchanged from July [1][2] - Service inflation remained stable, with rental inflation being the main contributor, although its sustainability is questionable [2] Group 3 - Short-term focus is expected to remain on employment risks rather than inflation, as the slow transmission of tariffs and stable service inflation indicate that inflation will not be a constraint for the Federal Reserve's rate cuts [2] - The labor market's ongoing weakness has not disrupted the consensus on a soft landing, with the market currently favoring rate cut trades rather than recession trades [2] - Concerns about the U.S. inflation pressure persisting after rate cuts need to be monitored, despite the current demand-side weakness slowing tariff transmission [2]

Group 1 - Morgan Stanley's latest report revises down the market's perception of U.S. employment resilience, indicating a downward adjustment of 910,000 jobs for March 2025, with 880,000 in the private sector [1] - The average monthly job growth from March 2024 to March 2025 has been revised down from 147,000 to 71,000, reflecting a significant decrease in employment growth expectations [1] - The report suggests that the Federal Reserve may have anticipated this adjustment, implying that it will not affect the decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points in September [1] Group 2 - The benchmark revision only reassesses employment stock prior to March 2025, meaning subsequent monthly changes are not mechanically reduced, which may temporarily alleviate concerns about a sudden cooling labor market [3] - There are two critical warnings for policymakers: the negative revisions for 2023, 2024, and 2025 indicate a potential systematic overestimation in the survey framework, and revisions tend to be pro-cyclical, suggesting that if unemployment continues to rise, further significant downward adjustments are likely [3][4] - The report identifies that the birth-death model has consistently overestimated net job additions, leading to an overcount of 256,000 jobs in 2024, and while adjustments were made for 2025, the gap between actual openings and closures remains narrow, indicating potential for continued negative errors [4] Group 3 - The report argues that the lack of empirical support for the impact of illegal immigration on job numbers suggests that the recent decline in immigration may not be the primary reason for repeated negative revisions [4] - Investors should monitor three key developments: the new seasonal adjustment factors to be released in January, updates to the birth-death parameters that will affect job additions post-April 2025, and the downward adjustment in employment numbers that will also impact hours worked, potentially revising Q1 non-farm productivity growth from 1.2% to approximately 1.7% [4]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. labor market is showing signs of cooling, with August non-farm payrolls increasing by only 22,000, significantly below the expected 77,000, indicating a potential economic slowdown [1][7][28]. Group 1: Employment Data - In August, the private sector added 38,000 jobs, also below the expected 78,000, while the government sector saw a decrease of 16,000 jobs [1][7]. - The healthcare sector contributed the most to job growth, adding 31,000 positions, while manufacturing and professional services sectors experienced declines [8][9]. - The unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.32%, with long-term unemployment (over 27 weeks) increasing by 385,000 year-on-year, indicating challenges in re-employment for certain demographics [3][12][13]. Group 2: Wage and Hour Data - Average hourly earnings increased by 3.7% year-on-year, down from 3.9% in the previous month, suggesting a moderation in wage growth [3][16]. - The total payroll index showed a year-on-year increase of 5.0%, indicating stable wage growth but with signs of slowing momentum [16][17]. - Average weekly hours remained unchanged at 34.2 hours, reflecting cautious hiring practices among employers [16][17]. Group 3: Economic Outlook - The current employment data suggests a typical post-cycle economic characteristic, with signs of a cooling labor market [4][18]. - Historical analysis indicates that significant negative shifts in non-farm payrolls often correlate with economic recessions, with a 67% success rate in predicting downturns [4][20]. - The Federal Reserve may consider interest rate cuts as a response to the weakening labor market, with market expectations indicating high probabilities for rate cuts in the coming months [5][6][28]. Group 4: Market Reactions - Market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts are high, with probabilities of 92%, 72.6%, and 67.9% for September, October, and December respectively [6][28]. - U.S. Treasury yields have declined, with the 10-year yield falling to 4.07%, and the dollar index has also retreated [6][28]. - Gold prices have risen significantly as a safe-haven asset, while U.S. stock indices showed mixed performance, with small-cap stocks outperforming [6][28].