Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing pressure on the US economy due to expanding trade and budget deficits, which are leading to a steeper yield curve and weakening credit conditions [1][4]. Economic Indicators - The US GDP is projected to contract by 0.3% in Q1 2025, driven by increased imports and reduced government spending, although this is partially offset by rising consumer spending and exports [1][2]. - In the first quarter of 2025, imports surged by 41.3% before tariffs were fully implemented, with March imports reaching $346 billion and the trade deficit widening to $163 billion [1][3]. Employment and Consumer Confidence - The consumer confidence index fell by 9% from March to April 2025, yet job creation exceeded expectations and the unemployment rate remained stable at 4.2% [2]. - Despite the resilience of the job market, the implementation of tariffs is expected to negatively impact employment conditions [2]. Trade Deficit Dynamics - The overall trade deficit has increased since the implementation of tariffs, despite a reduction in the trade deficit with China during Trump's first term [2][4]. - Countries like Vietnam and Thailand have benefited from supply chain shifts, increasing their trade surplus with the US [2]. Credit and Fiscal Concerns - Moody's downgraded the US credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 due to rising fiscal deficits and increasing federal debt, with the five-year credit default swap (CDS) spread widening by 20 basis points [3][4]. - The yield curve has steepened, with the 30-year Treasury yield reaching a 19-month high amid concerns over fiscal sustainability and trade tensions [3][5]. Future Projections - The tax reform bill passed by the House is expected to add $3.1 trillion to the national debt over the next decade, potentially pushing the budget deficit close to 7% of GDP in the coming years [5]. - The debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to increase by 8% to 10% over the four-year term, with long-term bond yields expected to rise significantly, potentially exceeding 6% in the coming years [6].

Group 1 - The politicalization of the Federal Reserve has intensified in recent months, leading to a higher risk premium in the U.S. [1] - Rising budget deficits and debt, along with unpredictable government actions, are causing investors to reassess their exposure to the U.S. dollar [1] - Although recent developments had a slight positive impact on the front-end yields of government bonds, this may not last if the Federal Reserve compromises under pressure from the Trump administration to lower interest rates amid persistent inflation [1]

Core Points - The UK reported a budget deficit of £1.1 billion in July [1]

Group 1 - COMEX silver inventory remained stable at 15,770.78 tons as of August 13, 2025, with no change from the previous day [1][2] - COMEX silver price closed at $38.55 per ounce on August 13, 2025, reflecting a 1.61% increase, with a daily high of $38.71 and a low of $37.88 [1] Group 2 - In July 2025, the U.S. budget deficit increased by 20% compared to the previous year, despite record tariff revenues from President Trump's administration [2][3] - Customs revenue in July 2025 rose by 273% year-over-year, amounting to an increase of $21 billion, but overall spending also increased significantly [2] - The total federal debt is approaching $37 trillion, indicating ongoing financial pressure despite tariff income [2][3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint indicates that despite record tariff revenues, the U.S. budget deficit increased by 20% in July compared to the previous year, highlighting a growing financial imbalance [1][2] - U.S. customs revenue rose by 273% year-on-year in July, amounting to an increase of $21 billion, but overall spending also surged, contributing to the rising deficit [1][2] - The total federal debt is approaching $37 trillion, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability [1] Group 2 - The imposition of tariffs may not fulfill President Trump's promise to improve government finances, potentially leading to fewer job opportunities and increased inflationary pressures for the public [2] - The Federal Budget Committee anticipates tariff revenues to reach approximately $1.3 trillion during Trump's four-year term, although some economists suggest that the impact on federal debt reduction will be modest [2] - Market sentiment around silver prices remains strong, with domestic commodities experiencing a resurgence, and the silver price premium expanding to around 420 yuan per kilogram [3]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided. 2. Core Viewpoints - Short - term: The dollar index is in a weak and volatile pattern, which is positive for gold prices. However, if the US - Russia negotiation makes substantial progress, it may put downward pressure on gold prices. In the short - term, it is recommended to wait and see [2]. - Medium - term: Factors such as the inflation rebound risk due to tariffs, the expectation of the Fed's loose policy, the damage to the US dollar's credit, and the resilient demand for central bank gold purchases still provide strong support. The bullish logic remains intact, pushing up the central price of gold. In the medium - to - long - term, it is recommended to buy on dips. The target range for the Shanghai Gold 2510 contract is 770 - 800 yuan/gram, and for the Shanghai Silver 2510 contract is 9200 - 9400 yuan/kilogram [2]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Market Data - **Futures Market**: The closing price of the Shanghai Gold main contract is 777.72 yuan/gram, up 1.68 yuan; the closing price of the Shanghai Silver main contract is 9300 yuan/kilogram, up 113 yuan. The positions of the main contracts and the net positions of the top 20 have different changes, and the gold warehouse receipts remain unchanged while the silver warehouse receipts decrease by 16,111 kilograms [2]. - **Spot Market**: The Shanghai Non - ferrous Metals Network's gold spot price is 773.7 yuan/gram, down 0.3 yuan; the silver spot price is 9200 yuan/kilogram, up 66 yuan. The basis of the Shanghai Gold main contract is - 4.02 yuan/gram, down 1.98 yuan; the basis of the Shanghai Silver main contract is - 100 yuan/kilogram, down 47 yuan [2]. - **Supply and Demand**: Gold ETF holdings remain unchanged, and silver ETF holdings increase by 40.96 tons. The non - commercial net positions of gold and silver in CFTC have different changes. The quarterly total supply and demand of gold both increase by about 54.8 tons. The annual total supply of silver is 987.8 million troy ounces, down 21.4 million troy ounces, and the global annual demand is 1195 million ounces, down 47.4 million ounces [2]. - **Option Market**: The historical and implied volatilities of gold options have different changes, with the 20 - day historical volatility of gold up 0.1% and the 40 - day historical volatility down 0.18% [2]. 3.2 Industry News - US tariff revenue reached a new high in July, but the budget deficit still expanded. The tariff revenue in July soared to $28 billion, a year - on - year increase of 273%, and the budget deficit reached $291 billion, a 10% increase year - on - year [2]. - US President Trump urged the Fed to cut interest rates again and threatened to sue Fed Chairman Powell. US Treasury Secretary called on the Fed to cut interest rates by 50 basis points in September [2]. - Affected by the market's expectation of interest rate cuts, the US dollar index weakened, the Shanghai gold price recovered, and the silver price continued to rebound strongly. The year - on - year growth rate of US CPI in July was lower than expected [2]. - According to CME's "FedWatch", the probability that the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged in September is 6.6%, and the probability of a 25 - basis - point cut is 93.4% [2].

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights that the U.S. tariff revenue reached a record high of $28 billion in July, marking a year-on-year increase of 273% [1] - For the first ten months of the fiscal year, the budget deficit stands at $1.63 trillion [1] - After adjusting for calendar differences, the budget deficit for July was $291 billion, which is a 10% increase compared to the same period last year [1] Group 2 - Treasury Secretary Becerra indicated that total tariff revenue for the year 2025 could reach $300 billion, with the possibility of being even higher in 2026 [1]

Group 1 - The UK's budget deficit has risen to £20.7 billion ($27.9 billion), an increase of £6.6 billion compared to the same period last year, significantly exceeding market expectations of £17.5 billion [1] - The surge in debt interest payments is a primary factor contributing to the increased budget deficit, raising concerns about potential tax hikes to stabilize public finances [1] - Following the report, UK government bonds experienced a decline, with the yield on 10-year government bonds rising by 3 basis points to 4.63%, outpacing declines in German and US bonds [1]

Group 1 - Concerns over France's ability to control budget deficits are rising, potentially diminishing investor interest in the euro [1][3] - The euro fell to a one-month low against the dollar, influenced by a radical deficit reduction plan proposed by the French minority government [1][3] - The political and fiscal challenges facing France are seen as a "ticking time bomb" affecting EU market sentiment [1] Group 2 - The proposed €43.8 billion (approximately $50.9 billion) deficit reduction plan could lead to the government's collapse due to a lack of parliamentary majority [3] - The euro is hovering around 1.16 against the dollar, with potential to drop to 1.15 if U.S. economic data weakens expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts [3] - French OAT bond yields are currently the highest in the eurozone, reflecting ongoing political risks and a persistent risk premium [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing severity of the U.S. budget deficit and its potential to lead to a debt crisis, particularly highlighting the issues surrounding student loans and government spending [1][5][11]. Group 1: Budget Deficit and Debt Crisis - Jared Bernstein, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, has shifted from a "dove" to a "hawk" stance on budget deficits, acknowledging that the situation has worsened [2][3]. - Bernstein emphasizes the relationship between economic growth and debt interest rates, citing that if GDP growth exceeds debt interest rates, the government can sustain budget deficits [3][6]. - The number of Americans with federal student loan debt has increased from 21 million to 45 million between 2000 and 2020, with total debt rising from $387 billion to $1.8 trillion, indicating a significant growth in financial burden [5][12]. Group 2: Government Spending and Economic Policies - Bernstein notes that the cost of U.S. debt has historically not been burdensome, but recent changes have led to a convergence of debt costs and economic growth rates, raising concerns about debt sustainability [6][7]. - The article mentions that the Biden administration's spending has contributed to a substantial increase in debt, although Bernstein does not directly address this issue [8][12]. - Bernstein suggests that Congress should establish "red lines" and mandatory fiscal responses to prevent a debt crisis, as interest payments on debt are projected to exceed spending on Medicare and defense [11]. Group 3: Future Projections and Economic Impact - Goldman Sachs reports that the current budget deficit is unsustainable, with the debt-to-GDP ratio nearing post-World War II highs, and the trajectory of debt and interest payments as a percentage of GDP is expected to steepen [13][12]. - The article highlights that Trump's tax cuts and spending policies are anticipated to result in trillions of dollars in additional deficits over the coming years [12].