Core Viewpoint - The recent fluctuations in gold prices are primarily influenced by the strength of the US dollar, geopolitical uncertainties, and expectations surrounding Federal Reserve policies, particularly ahead of the Jackson Hole symposium [1][3][9]. Group 1: Gold Price Movements - As of August 20, spot gold is trading around $3315.04 per ounce, having dropped 0.5% to close at $3315.45 on the previous day, reaching a low of $3314.80, close to the 100-day moving average support level of $3311.15 [1]. - The recent decline in gold prices is attributed to a 0.15% increase in the US dollar index, which rose to 98.27, making gold more expensive for investors holding other currencies [5]. - UBS has raised its gold price target to $3600 by March 2026, citing ongoing macroeconomic risks in the US, a decline in dollar usage, and strong investment demand, suggesting that the current drop in gold prices may be temporary [5]. Group 2: Federal Reserve Policy Impact - The Federal Reserve's policy direction is a key driver of gold price volatility, with traders estimating an 85% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in September, which typically benefits gold due to lower opportunity costs [3]. - Market expectations are uncertain regarding Fed Chair Powell's upcoming speech at Jackson Hole, with concerns that he may downplay the likelihood of a September rate cut, potentially strengthening the dollar and exerting downward pressure on gold [3][10]. - The upcoming release of the July Fed meeting minutes is anticipated to provide insights into the US economic outlook, which could further influence gold prices depending on the Fed's hawkish or dovish stance [3][9]. Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - Geopolitical factors are also influencing gold's safe-haven appeal, with President Trump expressing hopes for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, which could diminish gold's attractiveness as a safe asset if peace negotiations progress [6]. - However, uncertainties surrounding the willingness of parties to reach an agreement may continue to support gold prices, as any breakdown in negotiations could reignite risk aversion among investors [6]. Group 4: Macroeconomic Data - Recent macroeconomic data presents a mixed picture, with July housing starts increasing by 5.2% to 1.428 million units, while building permits fell by 2.8% to a five-year low of 1.35 million units, indicating a cautious outlook among builders [7]. - The yield curve's bear steepening reflects rising inflation expectations, which negatively impacts gold as higher yields attract funds to bonds over non-yielding assets [8]. - Stock market performance, particularly the decline in tech stocks like Nvidia by 3.5%, is also affecting gold sentiment, as investors hedge against potential hawkish signals from the Fed [8].

Core Viewpoint - TSMC's impressive quarterly earnings report, with an EPS of 15.36 NTD, is supported by significant government subsidies, raising questions about the sustainability of its success and the implications of geopolitical factors [1][5][7] Group 1: Financial Performance - TSMC reported a record EPS of 15.36 NTD for the quarter, with revenue forecasts continuing to rise, driven by AI and high-performance computing [1] - In the first half of this year alone, TSMC received 671.28 million NTD in government subsidies, contributing to a total of 1,422.92 million NTD over the past 18 months [3][5] Group 2: Government Subsidies and Investments - TSMC's expansion plans include a $165 billion investment in the U.S. for six wafer fabs and two advanced packaging plants, with 25% of the investment covered by local government subsidies [3] - The company is also receiving substantial financial support from governments in Germany and Japan for its manufacturing facilities, indicating a trend of government involvement in the semiconductor industry [3][5] Group 3: Geopolitical Implications - The financial backing from various governments is driven by geopolitical concerns, as countries fear losing access to TSMC's technology and production capabilities [5][7] - TSMC's reliance on government subsidies ties its operations to political agendas, making it a strategic tool for various nations [7] - The potential risks associated with TSMC's dependence on government funding could lead to vulnerabilities if subsidies are reduced or political dynamics shift [7]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - All the varieties in the report are rated as "Oscillating", including crude oil, fuel oil, asphalt, polyester, rubber, methanol, polyolefin, and polyvinyl chloride [1][3][5][7][8] 2. Core Views of the Report - Crude oil prices continued to decline due to geopolitical factors and inventory data. The current demand lacks highlights, and the supply is expected to increase, so the oil price will continue to operate weakly [1][3] - The low - sulfur fuel oil market is under pressure due to sufficient supply and weak demand, while the high - sulfur market may be supported by reduced supply starting from September [3] - The asphalt market is expected to see a pattern of both supply and demand increasing in August, and the price will fluctuate within a range [3] - The polyester market has a stable supply - demand situation, and the prices of PX, PTA, and ethylene glycol are expected to fluctuate with the oil price [5] - The rubber market is affected by factors such as rainfall, raw material prices, and tire demand, and the short - term price will oscillate [5] - The methanol market will maintain a near - weak and far - strong structure, and the price will oscillate narrowly [7] - The polyolefin market will gradually shift to a situation of strong supply and demand, and the price will oscillate narrowly [7][8] - The polyvinyl chloride market has high - level supply and improving demand, and the price is expected to oscillate weakly [8] 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Research Views - **Crude Oil**: On Tuesday, the price of WTI September contract dropped by $1.07 to $62.35 per barrel, a decline of 1.69%. The Brent October contract fell by $0.81 to $65.79 per barrel, a decline of 1.22%. SC2510 closed at 480.9 yuan per barrel, down 4.2 yuan or 0.87%. Geopolitical factors and inventory data affected the price. The current demand is weak, and the supply is expected to rise, so the price will oscillate [1][3] - **Fuel Oil**: On Tuesday, the main contract of high - sulfur fuel oil (FU2509) fell 0.26% to 2,698 yuan per ton, and the main contract of low - sulfur fuel oil (LU2510) fell 0.12% to 3,454 yuan per ton. The low - sulfur market is under pressure from supply, while the high - sulfur market may be supported in September. The price will oscillate [3] - **Asphalt**: On Tuesday, the main contract of asphalt (BU2509) rose 0.14% to 3,455 yuan per ton. The supply is expected to increase in the second half of August, and the demand is expected to recover. The price will oscillate [3] - **Polyester**: TA601 closed at 4,734 yuan per ton, down 0.25%. EG2509 closed at 4,424 yuan per ton, up 1.79%. PX supply and demand continued to recover, and the prices of PTA and ethylene glycol are expected to oscillate [5] - **Rubber**: On Tuesday, the main contract of natural rubber (RU2601) rose 55 yuan to 15,875 yuan per ton. The production and demand situation affected the price, and the short - term price will oscillate [5] - **Methanol**: The supply is currently at a low level but will gradually recover. The port inventory will increase in the short term, and the price will oscillate [7] - **Polyolefin**: The subsequent production will remain high, and the demand is expected to pick up in the peak season. The price will oscillate narrowly [7][8] - **Polyvinyl Chloride**: The supply is high, and the demand is gradually improving. The price is expected to oscillate weakly [8] 3.2 Daily Data Monitoring - The report provides the basis price data of various energy - chemical varieties on August 19, 2025, including spot prices, futures prices, basis, basis rates, price changes, and the quantile of the latest basis rate in historical data [9] 3.3 Market News - The American Petroleum Institute (API) data showed that in the week of August 15, the US API crude oil inventory decreased by 2.417 million barrels, more than the analyst's expectation [12] - The Whiting refinery of BP in the United States was affected by floods caused by a thunderstorm, but the specific impact on production was not specified [12] 3.4 Chart Analysis - **4.1 Main Contract Prices**: The report presents the closing price charts of the main contracts of various energy - chemical varieties from 2021 to 2025, including crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, asphalt, etc. [14][16][18] - **4.2 Main Contract Basis**: It shows the basis charts of the main contracts of various energy - chemical varieties, such as crude oil, fuel oil, and asphalt [32][34][38] - **4.3 Inter - period Contract Spreads**: The report provides the spread charts of different contracts of various energy - chemical varieties, like fuel oil, asphalt, and PTA [47][49][52] - **4.4 Inter - variety Spreads**: It includes the spread and ratio charts between different varieties, such as crude oil's internal and external spreads, fuel oil's high - low sulfur spread [63][66][68] - **4.5 Production Profits**: The report shows the production profit charts of some varieties, such as ethylene - made ethylene glycol and PP [71] 3.5 Team Member Introduction - The research team members include Zhong Meiyan, Du Bingqin, Di Yilin, and Peng Haibo, each with rich experience and professional titles in the energy - chemical research field [78][79][80][81]

Group 1: Report Investment Ratings - There is no specific industry - wide investment rating provided in the report. However, for individual varieties, ratings are as follows: Gold - ★ (suggesting long - term strategic allocation), Silver - ★ (short - term attention to support level, long - term long), Copper - ★ (long - term bullish), Zinc - ★ (short - term bearish, long - term wait for shorting opportunity), Lead - ★★ (short - term bearish), Tin - ★ (short - term rebound), Aluminum - ★★ (short - term bearish), Nickel - ★★ (short - term bearish), Industrial Silicon - ★ (short - term bearish), Polysilicon - ★ (high - level shock, callback to buy), Lithium Carbonate - ★ (high - level shock, hold long positions) [1] Group 2: Core Views - **Gold**: Short - term, due to the significant progress in the Russia - Ukraine issue and the decline of risk - aversion sentiment, the disk lacks upward momentum. Long - term, with the loose monetary policies of major countries, central banks' continuous gold purchasing, and the reshaping of the geopolitical pattern, there is a need for asset allocation in gold, so it should be strategically allocated [1]. - **Silver**: Short - term, there are concerns about liquidity, and it is more elastic. It is affected by gold fluctuations. Long - term, with strong global liquidity and re - industrialization demand and limited supply increase, the upward trend is unchanged. Short - term, pay attention to the performance around 9150, and long - term, go long [1]. - **Copper**: Short - term, the upcoming global central bank annual meeting and the possible hawkish statement of Powell may suppress the Fed's interest - rate cut expectation, causing the US dollar to rebound and copper prices to be under pressure. Pay attention to the support at the 78,000 level. Long - term, as an important strategic resource in the Sino - US game, with the shortage of copper concentrates and the explosion of green copper demand, it is bullish [1][7]. - **Zinc**: Short - term, due to insufficient demand and inventory accumulation, the Shanghai zinc is under pressure and in a weak shock. Long - term, supply increases while demand decreases, waiting for shorting opportunities on rebounds [1][11]. - **Lead**: Short - term, with the recovery of primary lead production and the weakening impact of environmental protection on secondary lead in Anhui, supply is relatively loose, and downstream battery consumption is poor, so lead prices are under pressure [1]. - **Tin**: Short - term, with the slow recovery of tin mines in Myanmar's Wa State and a slight increase in the domestic refined tin smelting industry's start - up, and the tin ingot inventory reaching a high level in the off - season, tin prices show a short - term rebound [1]. - **Aluminum**: Short - term, with stable bauxite supply at home and abroad, inventory accumulation in domestic mainstream consumption areas during the off - season, and poor performance in terminal consumption and exports, aluminum prices are under pressure [1][15]. - **Nickel**: Short - term, with the weakening price of nickel ore in the Philippines and the accumulation of domestic refined nickel social inventory, and the weakening of inventory reduction driven by stainless - steel production cuts, nickel prices are under pressure [1][19]. - **Industrial Silicon**: Short - term, affected by the new energy sector's fluctuations, with no major supply - demand contradiction in itself, it is under obvious pressure from the top and tests the lower support [1]. - **Polysilicon**: Despite a bearish fundamental outlook and expected inventory accumulation in August, due to the photovoltaic industry symposium held by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it is expected to be in high - level shock, and buy on callbacks [1]. - **Lithium Carbonate**: Supply contracts unexpectedly, and with the approaching peak season of terminal demand, wait for the strengthening of the de - stocking drive. Hold long positions. It is in high - level shock in the short term [1][23]. Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs Gold and Silver - **Market Review**: Global parties are seeking a geopolitical cease - fire, and the Jackson Hole Global Central Bank Annual Meeting may have a radical stance, leading to an obvious adjustment in gold and silver prices [2]. - **Basic Logic**: The market expects Powell to have a radical stance at the Jackson Hole Global Central Bank Annual Meeting. The US housing starts in July reached a five - month high, contrary to expectations. There is progress in the Russia - Ukraine cease - fire. Short - term, the probability of gold breaking through the range is low, while long - term, gold may continue a long - bull trend due to global monetary easing, the decline of the US dollar's credit, and the reshaping of the geopolitical pattern [3]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: Gold may have support around 766 in the short term. Pay attention to long - order entry after stabilization. Silver has greater short - term emotional fluctuations and is adjusting downward. Pay attention to the effectiveness of the support at 9000. Also, pay attention to the tri - party meeting of the US, Russia, and Ukraine [4]. Copper - **Market Review**: LME copper lost the 9700 - level mark, and Shanghai copper was under pressure and declined. Pay attention to the support at the 78,000 level [6]. - **Industrial Logic**: Recently, there have been disturbances in copper mines, but the supply of domestic copper concentrate raw materials has improved marginally. With the increase in smelting maintenance in August - September, refined copper production may decline marginally. It is currently the off - season, and downstream demand is weak, but demand is expected to pick up with the approaching peak season. Overseas exchange copper inventory has increased slightly, and domestic social inventory has rebounded slightly. The annual copper supply - demand is in a tight balance [6]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: With the approaching central bank annual meeting, the US dollar rebounds, and copper prices are under pressure. Pay attention to the support at the 78,000 level. Short - term, it is recommended to wait and see, and then go long lightly after the price stabilizes. Long - term, copper is bullish. Shanghai copper focuses on the range [77500, 79500] yuan/ton, and LME copper focuses on [9650, 9950] US dollars/ton [7]. Zinc - **Market Review**: Shanghai zinc is in a weak shock, testing the lower - level support [10]. - **Industrial Logic**: In 2025, the supply of zinc concentrate is abundant. The production of refined zinc in China has increased significantly. The processing fee of zinc concentrate has been rising, and smelter enthusiasm is high. However, due to the tariff increase on galvanized steel in Vietnam and the domestic off - season, the demand of galvanizing enterprises is expected to decline. The spot market transaction is dull, and inventory has accumulated [10]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: Short - term, due to the off - season and inventory accumulation, zinc is in a weak shock. Hold previous short positions, and some can take profit on dips. Pay attention to the support at the 22000 - level. Long - term, supply increases while demand decreases, so short on rebounds. Shanghai zinc focuses on the range [21800, 22400], and LME zinc focuses on [2700, 2800] US dollars/ton [11]. Aluminum - **Market Review**: Aluminum prices are under pressure, and alumina prices are falling back [13]. - **Industrial Logic**: For electrolytic aluminum, overseas macro - trade policies are still uncertain. The cost has decreased, and inventory has increased. The downstream start - up rate has rebounded slightly. For alumina, the rainy season in Guinea may affect the arrival volume in August, and the inventory accumulation speed of mainstream ports is expected to slow down. Domestic alumina production capacity has increased, and inventory has accumulated. Short - term, the supply - demand of alumina is expected to be loose [14]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: Short - term, look for opportunities to short on rebounds for Shanghai aluminum. Pay attention to the inventory accumulation of aluminum ingots during the off - season. The main operating range is [20000 - 20900] [15]. Nickel - **Market Review**: Nickel prices are running weakly, and stainless - steel prices are under pressure and falling back [17]. - **Industrial Logic**: Overseas, the price of nickel ore in the Philippines is weak, and NPI smelters are facing cost inversion and losses. Domestic refined nickel production has increased, and inventory has accumulated again. The production cut of stainless - steel has weakened, and the inventory reduction effect is weakening. The terminal market is still in the off - season, and stainless - steel still faces over - supply pressure [18]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: Look for opportunities to short on rebounds for nickel and stainless - steel. Pay attention to the downstream inventory changes. The main operating range of nickel is [120000 - 123000] [19]. Lithium Carbonate - **Market Review**: The main contract LC2511 opened high and closed low, with a slight reduction in positions, and closed down 1.79% [21]. - **Industrial Logic**: The fundamentals have not shown obvious improvement. The total inventory and production have decreased slightly, but the absolute quantity is still at a high level in recent years. After CATL confirmed the shutdown, the market expects the synchronous shutdown of other mines in Jiangxi. With the approaching peak season of terminal demand, downstream material factories start to stock up. The vulnerability of the inventory structure will amplify price elasticity. The main contract of lithium carbonate is expected to rise further after the de - stocking expectation is strengthened [22]. - **Strategy Recommendation**: There is still an expectation of supply speculation. Hold long positions in the range [86500 - 88000] [23].

Core Viewpoint - The meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin on August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska, was seen as a diplomatic success for Russia, despite failing to reach substantial agreements, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict and sanctions [2][5][6]. Group 1: Meeting Overview - The meeting lasted approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and involved a closed-door discussion format with three representatives from each side [4][11]. - Both leaders acknowledged some progress but did not reach an agreement on key issues, particularly the immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions [5][13][14]. Group 2: Perspectives on the Meeting - Global think tanks view the meeting as a diplomatic victory for Russia, breaking the informal diplomatic blockade imposed by Western countries since 2022 [6][17]. - Analysts from various institutions suggest that Trump may have misread Putin's ambitions, potentially leading to unfavorable agreements for Ukraine [17][18]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Geopolitical tensions have introduced risk premiums and uncertainties in the market, especially in Europe, with the prospect of peace or ceasefire significantly reducing these risks [6][19]. - Investment opportunities in the energy sector are noted, particularly as oil prices are currently low and seasonal demand is expected to rise [19][20].

1. Report Industry Investment Ratings - Crude oil: Weakening trend with shocks, investors should adopt a weakening trend with shocks mindset and set the 5 - day moving average as the stop - loss point [4] - Asphalt: High - valued futures prices await a decline, absolute prices are over - valued, and the monthly spread is expected to decline with the increase of warehouse receipts [8] - High - sulfur fuel oil: Weak and volatile [4] - Low - sulfur fuel oil: Futures prices follow crude oil and fluctuate weakly [4] - Methanol: Spot prices are falling, futures prices fluctuate [4] - Urea: Positive export expectations, market confidence restored, the market rebounds upward [4] - Ethylene glycol: Port inventory accumulation is not continuous, prices have support at the bottom [4] - PX: There is short - term support at the bottom [4] - PTA: Costs are supported, supply - demand drivers are limited, and there is no inventory accumulation pressure [4] - Short - fiber: Fluctuates following upstream costs [4] - Bottle chips: Costs have certain support, self - driven factors are limited [4] - PP: Good refinery profits suppress valuations, fluctuates weakly [4] - Propylene: Inventory pressure is not large, PL fluctuates in the short term [4] - Plastic: Supported by maintenance, fluctuates [4] - Pure benzene: Driven by insufficient factors, fluctuates within a narrow range [4] - Styrene: Peak - season stockpiling has begun one after another, but the expected demand is limited, and the overall situation is average [4] - PVC: Anti - dumping measures pressure demand, be cautious and bearish [4] - Caustic soda: Spot prices stabilize and rebound, the market is cautiously optimistic [4] 2. Core Views - The geopolitical situation in the crude oil market is gradually easing, and the market is trending weakly. The chemical industry follows and fluctuates. The pattern of chemical products is slightly stronger than that of crude oil, especially the aromatics segment is boosted by the strong gasoline cracking spread [2][3] - The crude oil market faces continuous inventory accumulation pressure, and attention should be paid to geopolitical disturbances. The high - valued asphalt futures prices are expected to decline. High - sulfur fuel oil fluctuates weakly, and low - sulfur fuel oil follows crude oil and fluctuates weakly. The methanol spot price is falling, and the futures price fluctuates. Urea has positive export expectations, and the market rebounds. Ethylene glycol has support at the bottom due to non - continuous port inventory accumulation. PX has short - term support, PTA has cost support and no inventory accumulation pressure, short - fiber follows upstream costs, bottle chips have cost support, PP fluctuates weakly, propylene fluctuates in the short term, plastic fluctuates with maintenance support, pure benzene fluctuates narrowly, styrene's demand is limited, PVC is cautiously bearish, and caustic soda is cautiously optimistic [4] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Market News and Main Logic of Each Variety Crude oil - Market news: Ukraine plans to buy $100 billion worth of US weapons with European funding, and reach a $50 billion agreement with US companies to produce drones. Multiple Palestinian factions agree to a cease - fire proposal. Ukraine attacks a Russian oil pump station [7] - Main logic: OPEC+ production increases lead to supply pressure, global on - land crude oil inventories accumulate against the season, and overseas refined oil gasoline inventories are high. Future crude oil inventories face double pressure from the peak and decline of refinery operations and OPEC+ accelerated production increases, and the monthly spread is under pressure. Oil prices are expected to continue to fluctuate weakly, and attention should be paid to short - term disturbances from Russia - Ukraine negotiations [7] Asphalt - Market news: The main asphalt futures contract closes at 3461 yuan/ton, and the spot prices in East China, Northeast China, and Shandong are 3730 yuan/ton, 3880 yuan/ton, and 3580 yuan/ton respectively [8] - Main logic: EIA significantly lowers the oil price forecast, the Russia - US Alaska meeting exceeds expectations, the end of the Russia - Ukraine conflict drives the geopolitical premium to decline. The asphalt - fuel oil spread is still high, driving refinery operations to return. The demand for asphalt is not optimistic, and the current valuation is higher than that of crude oil, rebar, low - sulfur fuel oil, and high - sulfur fuel oil [8] High - sulfur fuel oil - Market news: The main high - sulfur fuel oil contract closes at 2691 yuan/ton [8] - Main logic: EIA significantly lowers the oil price forecast and raises OPEC production. The market is affected by factors such as increased tariffs, OPEC production increases, and the easing of the Russia - Ukraine conflict. China raises the fuel oil import tariff, and the demand for high - sulfur fuel oil feedstock decreases. The high - sulfur fuel oil cracking spread is still high and is supported by the weakening of crude oil [9] Low - sulfur fuel oil - Market news: The main low - sulfur fuel oil contract closes at 3436 yuan/ton [11] - Main logic: Low - sulfur fuel oil follows the weakening of crude oil. Although the diesel cracking spread has risen recently, low - sulfur fuel oil is affected by factors such as the decline in shipping demand, green energy substitution, and high - sulfur substitution. The domestic refined oil supply pressure is expected to be transmitted to low - sulfur fuel oil, and it is expected to maintain a low - valuation operation [11] PX - Market news: On August 18, PX CFR China Taiwan price is 828(+4) dollars/ton, PX Korea FOB price is 806(+4) dollars/ton, etc. [13] - Main logic: Afternoon Asian trading session, crude oil prices rebound slightly, and PX follows the cost to strengthen. Fundamentally, maintenance devices are restarting one after another, and the load is slightly increasing. The polyester peak season is approaching, and demand support is gradually strengthening. PX is in a tight supply - demand balance with low inventory, and the short - term downside space is expected to be limited [13] PTA - Market news: On August 18, PTA spot price is 4665(+6) yuan/ton, etc. [14] - Main logic: The cost has short - term support. Fundamentally, the supply side has a slight decline in load due to device maintenance, and downstream polyester and textile industries show signs of recovery. PTA's inventory accumulation pressure in August is narrowing. It is expected that short - term prices will mainly follow cost fluctuations [14] Pure benzene - Market news: On August 18, the closing price of the pure benzene 2603 contract is 6179, with a change of - 0.05%, etc. [15] - Main logic: The geopolitical situation is expected to ease further, and the International Energy Agency lowers the global demand growth forecast, which puts pressure on the oil market. Asian naphtha downstream ethylene cracking device operating rates remain low. Pure benzene performs stronger than the cost side this week, mainly affected by factors such as coking production restrictions, downstream rigid - demand restocking, and port inventory reduction. Downstream operating rates increase, but price increases are weak, and profits decline [17] Styrene - Market news: On August 18, the East China styrene spot price is 7250(0) yuan/ton, etc. [17] - Main logic: Recently, styrene prices have fluctuated weakly. Positive factors include a slight improvement in the pure benzene market and the start of peak - season stockpiling by downstream industries. Negative factors are more dominant, such as the new production capacity of Jingbosidaruixin device, the expected increase in existing supply, and poor white - goods production scheduling data [18] Ethylene glycol - Market news: On August 18, the EG main contract 2509 closes at 4346, a decrease of 28 from the previous trading day, etc. [18] - Main logic: Coal prices are under pressure, and the cost of ethylene glycol has limited guidance. Fundamentally, the supply side has great pressure, but port inventory accumulation is not continuous, and the overall accumulation range is not large. It is expected that prices will have strong support under the low - inventory pattern [19] Short - fiber - Market news: On August 18, the Zhejiang market polyester short - fiber spot price rises by 10 to 6490 yuan/ton ex - factory, etc. [20] - Main logic: The supply - demand fundamentals change little, downstream spinning mill loads and inventories remain stable, market orders start slowly, and raw material support is average. The absolute value of short - fiber follows raw material fluctuations and fluctuates in the short term [22] Bottle chips - Market news: On August 18, the East China market polyester bottle chip price closes at 5890, with a change of - 10, etc. [22] - Main logic: Rising raw material prices support bottle chips. Fundamentally, there are few changes. Attention should be paid to the restart of factory devices in September. Short - term prices follow upstream costs, and processing fees fluctuate within a range [23] Methanol - Market news: On August 18, the low - end price of methanol in Taicang spot is 2290 yuan/ton (- 20), etc. [24] - Main logic: On August 18, methanol futures prices fluctuate. The Inner Mongolia market price is slightly adjusted downward, but trading is okay. Port inventories increase. Downstream olefins are under pressure due to falling oil prices, which also affects methanol. Considering the high certainty of overseas shutdowns in the far - month, long positions in the far - month can still be considered later [24] Urea - Market news: On August 18, 2025, the high - end and low - end prices of urea in the Shandong market are 1740 yuan/ton (+ 30 yuan/ton) and 1730 yuan/ton (+ 30 yuan/ton) respectively [24] - Main logic: Based on the actual export data from May to July and the existing export quota of 320 tons, the average monthly export in August and September needs to reach one million tons to meet the quota. Although the fundamental supply - demand is loose, market confidence recovers rapidly due to high export profits and expected high export volumes, and the market rebounds [25] Plastic (LLDPE) - Market news: On August 18, the mainstream price of LLDPE spot is 7300(0) yuan/ton, etc. [27] - Main logic: On August 18, the main plastic contract declines slightly. Oil prices fluctuate weakly in the short term, and there is still capital game at the macro level. The plastic's own fundamentals are under pressure, and overseas factors also need attention [27] PP - Market news: On August 18, the mainstream transaction price of East China PP drawing is 7000(- 30) yuan/ton, etc. [28] - Main logic: On August 18, the main PP contract fluctuates and declines. Oil prices fluctuate weakly in the short term, propane prices are weak, PP supply is increasing, demand is in the off - peak to peak - season transition, and the export window is limited. Attention should be paid to Sino - US tariff games [29] Propylene (PL) - Market news: On August 18, PL fluctuates, and the low - end market price of Shandong PL is 6400 yuan/ton [29] - Main logic: On August 18, the main PL contract fluctuates. Propylene enterprise inventories are controllable, and offers are slightly increased. Downstream factories follow demand, and high - price transactions are limited. The short - term market follows PP fluctuations, and the PP - PL polypropylene processing fee is the focus of the market [29] PVC - Market news: The benchmark price of East China calcium - carbide - based PVC is 4880(- 50) yuan/ton, etc. [31] - Main logic: At the macro level, there are still expectations of anti - involution, and policy orientation should be noted. At the micro level, PVC fundamentals are under pressure. Upstream autumn maintenance is about to start, downstream demand is rigid, export expectations are under pressure due to anti - dumping measures, and cost support is weak [31] Caustic soda - Market news: The converted - to - 100% price of 32% caustic soda in Shandong is 2625(+ 63) yuan/ton, etc. [32] - Main logic: At the macro level, there are still expectations of anti - involution, and policy orientation should be noted. At the micro level, the fundamentals are improving marginally. Alumina demand is increasing, non - aluminum demand is entering the peak season, and there is some restocking in the middle and lower reaches. Shandong maintenance increases in mid - to late August, and attention should be paid to whether the difficulty in liquid chlorine sales will force alkali plants to reduce production [32] 3.2 Variety Data Monitoring Energy and Chemical Daily Indicator Monitoring - Inter - period spreads: Brent M1 - M2 is 0.55 with a change of 0, Dubai M1 - M2 is 0.9 with a change of 0.02, etc. [34] - Basis and inventory receipts: The basis of asphalt is 107 with a change of - 52, and the inventory receipts are 72850, etc. [35] - Inter - variety spreads: 1 - month PP - 3MA is - 140 with a change of 12, 1 - month TA - EG is 354 with a change of 50, etc. [37]

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant information provided Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - The market risk preference remains stable, and gold is in a box - range oscillation due to the slow progress of the Russia - Ukraine peace talks [1] - Gold prices failed to continue the upward trend after a rebound and fell back to around $3340 per ounce. The gold market is affected by geopolitical negotiations and the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations. The gold price trend will mainly depend on the Fed's policy path and geopolitical developments [3] Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs Key Information - Trump proposed that the US will cooperate with Russia and Ukraine to provide substantial assistance in the security field. Zelensky is ready for a tri - party meeting and hopes for "all - round" security guarantees. European leaders have different stances on the Russia - Ukraine issue, with Germany calling for a cease - fire first and France suggesting a four - party meeting [2] - Chicago Fed President Goolsbee is "uneasy" about the rise in service inflation, seeing it as a sign of the stagflation impact of tariffs on the economy [2] - China's Premier chaired a meeting, emphasizing the need to consolidate and expand the momentum of economic recovery and complete the annual economic and social development goals, focusing on strengthening the domestic cycle and stimulating consumption potential [2] - China's Ministry of Commerce decided to extend the counter - subsidy investigation of imported dairy products from the EU until February 21, 2026, citing the complexity of the case [2] Price Logic - After the "Trump - Zelensky meeting", Trump proposed a US - Russia - Ukraine tri - party summit, advocating "talking while fighting" and possible "territorial exchanges". Zelensky agreed to participate and demanded comprehensive security guarantees, while Russia also emphasized the need for reliable guarantees. There are obvious differences among parties on cease - fire, security, and territorial issues [3] - The market's expectation of the Fed's interest - rate cut in September is rising, and the CME tool shows that the market expects at least two interest - rate cuts this year, which supports the gold price. Although the US dollar has received some buying support due to strong PPI and retail data recently, rising inflation expectations and falling consumer confidence still limit its upside potential [3] Outlook - Next week, focus on Powell's speech at the global central bank annual meeting and the progress of geopolitical conflicts. The weekly range of London gold spot is expected to be between $3300 and $3500, and that of London silver spot is expected to be between $36 and $40 [6] Commodity Index - On August 18, 2025, the comprehensive index of CITICS Futures commodities: the composite index was 2231.32, down 0.23%; the commodity 20 index was 2475.86, down 0.28%; the industrial products index was 2267.54, down 0.49% [45] Precious Metals Index - On August 18, 2025, the precious metals index had a daily increase of 0.35%, a 5 - day increase of 0.38%, a 1 - month decrease of 0.39%, and a year - to - date increase of 22.77% [47]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints The report analyzes the container shipping, dry bulk shipping, and oil tanker transportation markets. It suggests that the container shipping market (EC) will experience weak and volatile trends, and recommends a 10 - 12 reverse arbitrage strategy with low - level rolling operations. The dry bulk shipping market is expected to see short - term pressure on large - vessel freight rates and a gradual weakening of medium - vessel freight rate support. The oil tanker transportation market shows a divergence between the crude oil and refined oil markets, with the crude oil market remaining stable and the refined oil market facing supply - demand imbalances [6][19][23]. 3. Summary by Directory Container Shipping - Container Freight Index (Europe Line) - **Market Analysis and Strategy Recommendation**: On August 19, EC2510 closed at 1370.3 points, down 0.2% from the previous day. The SCFI Europe Line on August 15 was $1820/TEU, down 7.2% month - on - month. The second - phase settlement index of EC2508 released after Monday's trading was 2180.17 points, down 2.5% month - on - month, expected to decline further. Spot freight rates are falling due to reduced cargo volume and sufficient capacity. The market is expected to be weak and volatile, and a 10 - 12 reverse arbitrage strategy can be used for low - level rolling operations [6][7][8]. - **Industry News**: There are various geopolitical news such as statements from Zelensky and Trump regarding the Russia - Ukraine war, and news about the Israel - Hamas cease - fire negotiation [11][12][13]. Dry Bulk Shipping - **Market Analysis and Outlook**: The Baltic Dry Bulk Freight Index declined on Monday. The Capesize vessel freight index decreased, while the Panamax vessel freight index increased slightly. The spot freight rates of Capesize vessels for iron ore routes decreased on August 18, and the weekly freight rates of some coal and bauxite routes also changed. The iron ore and grain shipment data showed different trends. The large - vessel market may see relatively good but declining transportation demand in early - mid September, and the medium - vessel market's freight rate support from coal and grain transportation is expected to weaken [16][17][19]. - **Industry News**: The iron ore inventory at seven major ports in Australia and Brazil decreased slightly, and the iron ore inventory at Chinese ports increased [20]. Oil Tanker Transportation - **Market Analysis and Outlook**: On August 18, the Baltic Crude Oil Transportation Index BDTI was 1015, down 0.1% month - on - month and up 8.09% year - on - year. The Baltic Product Oil Transportation Index BCTI was 605, unchanged month - on - month and down 2.89% year - on - year. The crude oil market is stable, while the refined oil market has supply - demand imbalances. Short - term attention should be paid to the impact of concentrated bookings on Middle - East routes in September, and long - term attention to factors like environmental elimination and supply - demand reshaping [23]. - **Industry News**: The US may impose additional tariffs on Indian goods due to its import of Russian oil, and there was a statement from Trump about not currently planning to impose tariffs on Chinese goods for buying Russian oil [24]. Related Attachments The report includes various charts related to container shipping, dry bulk shipping, and oil tanker transportation, such as SCFIS and SCFI indices, freight rate indices, and vessel earnings charts [27][29][32].

Group 1 - Gold stocks generally weakened, with Lingbao Gold (03330) down 4% to HKD 11.03, Chifeng Gold (06693) down 2.82% to HKD 24.1, Shandong Gold (01787) down 2.79% to HKD 26.46, China Gold International (02099) down 2.52% to HKD 79.25, and Zijin Mining (02899) down 2.13% to HKD 22.98 [1] - The market is awaiting Federal Reserve Chairman Powell's public speech later this week, while also monitoring the potential easing of Eastern European geopolitical conflicts [1] - The slight increase in the US dollar index has put pressure on gold prices, leading to a minor decline in international gold prices on Monday [1] Group 2 - CITIC Futures indicates that the future trend of gold will primarily depend on the Federal Reserve's policy direction and geopolitical developments [1] - If the Federal Reserve signals a stronger inclination towards interest rate cuts or if geopolitical risks escalate, gold prices may continue to rebound; conversely, if economic data remains strong and suppresses rate cut expectations or if geopolitical tensions ease, gold may face downward pressure [1] - Investors should pay close attention to this week's FOMC meeting minutes and Powell's speech at Jackson Hole [1]

Core Points - The unprecedented trade war between the US and India was ignited by President Trump's executive order raising tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, leading to a significant drop in India's annual export value by 30% [1] - India's economy, particularly its manufacturing sector, faces severe challenges as the "Make in India" initiative struggles, with manufacturing's GDP contribution declining from 16% to 14% over the past decade [5] - India's retaliatory measures, including halting a $3.6 billion arms deal and imposing high tariffs on US bourbon, have impacted US companies and highlighted the interconnectedness of the two economies [3][5] Group 1: Trade Impact - The 50% tariff increase has caused a drastic reduction in India's exports to the US, which account for 18% of its total exports [3] - The textile industry has been particularly hard hit, with orders being diverted to Vietnam, and the pharmaceutical sector facing losses due to increased costs [3] - The trade conflict has led to protests in India, with farmers expressing their discontent over the economic fallout [3] Group 2: Economic Structure - The "Make in India" initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing, has not achieved its goals, with a decline in manufacturing's share of GDP [5] - The dependency on Chinese components for mobile phone assembly has increased costs for Indian manufacturers, making them less competitive [5] - The energy sector has seen a strategic shift, with India initiating oil transactions in yuan to mitigate the impact of US sanctions [3] Group 3: Geopolitical Dynamics - The trade war has prompted India to strengthen ties with other nations, as evidenced by increased military cooperation with Russia and diplomatic engagements with China [8] - The postponement of US-India tariff negotiations indicates ongoing tensions and uncertainty in trade relations [6] - The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with India seeking to assert itself as a strong player despite external pressures [8]