Core Viewpoint - The Central Bank of Turkey has lowered the benchmark interest rate from 40.5% to 39.5%, indicating a slowdown in the rate of interest cuts amid persistent inflationary pressures [1] Summary by Relevant Sections Interest Rate Changes - The recent interest rate cut is a significant slowdown compared to previous cuts of 300 and 250 basis points in July and September, respectively [1] - The decision reflects the Central Bank's attempt to balance economic stimulation and inflation control [1] Inflation Trends - Turkey's annual inflation rate unexpectedly rose to 33.29% in September, marking the first increase since May 2024 [1] - The likelihood of year-end inflation falling within the range of 25% to 29% has increased, surpassing earlier expectations [1] Economic Context - Since mid-last year, Turkey's inflation rate has generally been on a downward trend, attributed to the Central Bank's shift from a long-standing low-interest rate policy to a tighter monetary stance [1] - The Central Bank's current decision to slow down interest rate cuts suggests ongoing concerns about rising prices, particularly in the food sector [1]

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights that Japan's manufacturing sector is experiencing a significant contraction, with the October PMI at 48.3, marking the lowest level since March 2024 and indicating a decline for the fourth consecutive month [1] - The decline in new orders is a major factor contributing to the manufacturing contraction, with the speed of new order decline accelerating, reflecting ongoing weakness in domestic demand [1] - Despite the contraction in current activity, manufacturers have a more optimistic outlook for future production, with expectations rising to a three-month high, driven by hopes for global economic recovery and increased demand for electronic products [2] Group 2 - The services sector in Japan is also facing challenges, with the services PMI dropping from 53.3 in September to 52.4 in October, indicating a slowdown in expansion [2] - The composite PMI, which includes both manufacturing and services, decreased from 51.3 to 50.9, reaching the lowest growth rate in five months and nearing stagnation [2] - Inflationary pressures are rising, with both input costs and output prices increasing more than in September, attributed to higher employment, raw material, and fuel costs, as well as a weak yen [2]

Core Viewpoint - The foreign exchange market currently shows indifference to the new round of tariff threats from the United States, which may indicate a desensitization to tariff measures or that the impacts have been fully priced in [1] Group 1: Tariff Impact - Tariffs are continuing to push up inflation expectations in the U.S., making it difficult for the market to further price in the Federal Reserve's rate cut potential [1] - Other countries' rate cut expectations have stabilized, contrasting with the U.S. situation [1] Group 2: Trade Data - Current trade data shows only a slight impact from tariffs, but this does not imply that tariffs have no effect; the impact may simply take longer to manifest [1]

Core Insights - Uzbekistan is projected to remain among the top five fastest-growing economies in Europe and Central Asia in 2025 and 2026, with growth rates of 6.2% and 6% respectively, an increase from previous forecasts of 5.9% [1][1][1] Economic Growth Projections - Kyrgyzstan is expected to lead the region with growth rates of 9.2% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026 [1] - Tajikistan's growth is forecasted at 7.6% for 2025 and 5.2% for 2026 [1] - Georgia is projected to grow by 7% in 2025 and 5.5% in 2026 [1] - Kazakhstan's growth rates are expected to be 5.5% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026 [1] Regional Economic Context - The overall economic growth for Europe and Central Asia is projected to decline to 2.4% in 2025, down from 3.7% in 2024, primarily due to the slowdown in the Russian economy [1] - Average growth for the region is expected to rise to 2.6% in 2026-2027 [1] - Geopolitical uncertainties, tensions in international trade, and persistent inflation pressures are increasing the economic vulnerabilities in the region [1] Central Asia Economic Outlook - The economic growth for Central Asia is anticipated to reach 5.9% in 2025 and 5% in 2026, supported by increased oil production in Kazakhstan and rising foreign exchange reserves and investments in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent imposition of additional port service fees on Chinese entities by the U.S. has escalated tensions in U.S.-China trade relations, leading to increased shipping costs and potential impacts on U.S. retail prices [1][2]. Group 1: Trade and Shipping Dynamics - U.S. container imports in September fell by 8.4% month-on-month to approximately 2.3 million TEUs, with significant declines in categories such as aluminum products (-43.8%), footwear (-33.9%), and electrical equipment (-31.5%) [2]. - The total import volume from the top ten sources to the U.S. decreased by 9.4% month-on-month, with a notable drop in imports from China [2]. - The shipping costs have surged due to the implementation of new port fees and the threat of additional tariffs, with the Shanghai export container freight index rising by 12.9% week-on-week as of October 17 [2][6]. Group 2: Impact on U.S. Retail and Consumer Prices - The additional port fees imposed on Chinese vessels are expected to increase shipping costs, which will ultimately be passed on to U.S. consumers, particularly affecting prices of textiles and furniture [7][9]. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that U.S. monthly import volumes may drop below 2 million TEUs in the coming months, marking a new low for the year [6]. - Consumers are already experiencing rising prices and reduced availability of goods, with reports of empty shelves and increased costs for essential items [10]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Market Adjustments - Experts anticipate a decline in shipping industry profits and suggest that shipping companies will adjust capacity to mitigate price fluctuations [5]. - The ongoing trade tensions are prompting a shift in global trade patterns, with a noticeable movement away from trans-Pacific routes towards intra-Asian and Latin American markets [5][9]. - The uncertainty in U.S.-China trade relations is leading to a cautious approach among U.S. retailers as they prepare for the holiday season [6][9].

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America predicts gold prices will rise to $5,000 per ounce within the next 12 to 18 months due to structural deficits in the U.S., inflationary pressures from de-globalization, concerns over the independence of the Federal Reserve, and ongoing global geopolitical tensions [1] Group 1: Price Predictions - The average gold price forecast for 2026 has been raised by 18% to $4,329 per ounce [1] - Silver price forecast has been increased by 29% to $54.88 per ounce [1] Group 2: Investment Demand and Market Trends - Investment demand for gold is expected to grow similarly to this year, potentially pushing gold prices to $5,000 per ounce [1] - In September, gold ETF purchases surged by 880% year-on-year to a historical high of $14 billion, with total investments in physical and paper gold nearly doubling, exceeding 5% of global stock and fixed income markets [1] Group 3: Short-term Market Risks - The report cautions that the market may consolidate in the short term, highlighting risks such as the Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's tariffs, potential hawkish shifts from the Federal Reserve if economic data improves, and the impact of U.S. midterm election results on Trump's economic policy implementation [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for several companies in the non-ferrous metals sector, including Shanjin International, Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining, and Luoyang Molybdenum [5][6]. Core Views - The report highlights that the precious metals market is experiencing price fluctuations due to tariff disturbances, but the long-term bullish trend remains intact. The U.S. government shutdown and increased tariffs on China are expected to boost gold's safe-haven demand [1]. - For industrial metals, copper prices are supported by supply disruptions, while macroeconomic uncertainties may cause short-term volatility. The aluminum market is expected to see high price fluctuations due to rising interest rate expectations and inventory reductions [2]. - In the energy metals sector, lithium prices are projected to remain strong due to increased supply and demand, particularly in the electric vehicle market. However, the silicon market is facing oversupply issues, leading to price fluctuations [3]. Summary by Sections Precious Metals - Tariff disturbances have led to price volatility in gold and silver, but the long-term bullish trend is expected to continue. The report suggests strategic allocation in precious metals [1]. - Recommended companies include: Xinyi Silver, Shengda Resources, and Zijin Mining [1]. Industrial Metals - **Copper**: Prices are supported by supply disruptions from major mines, with a projected increase in price center due to mid-term supply constraints. However, short-term fluctuations may occur due to trade tensions [2]. - **Aluminum**: The market is experiencing high price volatility, influenced by interest rate expectations and inventory levels. The report suggests monitoring inventory accumulation [2]. Energy Metals - **Lithium**: The market is showing strong performance with supply and demand both increasing. The report indicates that lithium prices are likely to remain strong in the short term [3]. - **Silicon**: The market is facing oversupply, leading to price fluctuations despite being in a traditional demand season [3]. Key Companies - The report identifies key companies to watch, including: Luoyang Molybdenum, China Hongqiao, and Tianqi Lithium [5][6].

Core Views - The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated a potential interest rate cut this month due to a deteriorating labor market, despite the impact of the government shutdown on economic assessments [1][2][3] - Powell suggested that the Fed may halt its balance sheet reduction in the coming months, as the economic growth trajectory appears slightly stronger than expected [2][6][7] Labor Market and Employment - The labor market shows increasing downside risks, with Powell noting that the balance of risks regarding employment and inflation has shifted, leading to the decision to cut rates in September [3][5][46] - Despite a low unemployment rate in August, wage growth has significantly slowed, partly due to a decrease in immigration and labor force participation [2][46] - Job openings have declined, which may reflect an impending rise in the unemployment rate [5][46][47] Inflation and Economic Indicators - Current data suggests that rising commodity prices are primarily due to tariffs rather than broader inflationary pressures [4][48] - The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation rate was 2.9% over the past 12 months, slightly up from earlier in the year, with short-term inflation expectations rising while long-term expectations remain aligned with the 2% target [48] Monetary Policy and Balance Sheet Management - Powell emphasized the importance of balancing the dual mandate of employment and inflation, stating that there is no risk-free policy path [5][48] - The Fed's balance sheet, which stood at $6.5 trillion as of October 8, consists mainly of $2.4 trillion in Federal Reserve notes and $3 trillion in reserves [21][22] - The Fed plans to stop reducing its balance sheet when reserves are slightly above what is deemed sufficient, with indications that liquidity is tightening [7][40] Market Stability and Future Outlook - Powell highlighted the need for careful management to avoid a repeat of the 2019 repo market crisis, indicating that the Fed will take cautious measures to maintain market stability [8][10][40] - The Fed's framework for sufficient reserves has proven effective in controlling policy rates and supporting financial stability [38][44] - The Fed is closely monitoring various indicators to inform its decisions regarding the balance sheet and interest rates in light of evolving economic conditions [40][45]

Core Viewpoint - The cost of new import tariffs is primarily borne by U.S. businesses and consumers, contradicting previous claims by Trump [1] Group 1: Tariff Impact on Prices - Since the imposition of new tariffs in early March, the average price of imported goods has increased by 4%, while domestic product prices have risen by approximately 2% [1] - The most significant price increases are observed in goods that the U.S. cannot produce domestically, such as coffee, and imports from countries facing high tariffs, like Turkey [1] - Despite notable price increases, the overall rise is still lower than the tariff rates, indicating that some suppliers are absorbing costs [1] Group 2: Import Price Index and Export Costs - The U.S. import price index (excluding tariffs) shows that foreign exporters have generally raised their factory prices in U.S. dollars to offset losses from dollar depreciation [1] - Export costs from countries such as China, Germany, Mexico, Turkey, and India have increased, while Japan's export prices have remained stable [1] Group 3: Current Tariff Rates and Future Outlook - The average tariff rate on U.S. imports has surged from about 2% to approximately 17%, with monthly tariff collections reaching around $30 billion [1] - Experts predict that businesses and consumers will require several months to fully adapt to the unstable tariff system [1]

Group 1 - The global economic landscape in 2025 will prominently feature the performances of the US, China, and Russia, with the US maintaining a GDP of approximately 216 trillion RMB, showcasing its strong economic power [3] - China's GDP is projected to reach around 141.75 trillion RMB, with a growth target of 5% for 2025, reflecting a robust economic stance [3][16] - Russia's GDP is expected to decline to 16 trillion RMB, with a growth forecast reduced from 2.5% to 1.5%, indicating significant economic challenges [5][13] Group 2 - The US economy, while appearing strong with a GDP of 216 trillion RMB, faces underlying issues such as persistent inflation and declining domestic purchasing power [7][9] - The US national debt has surpassed 37 trillion USD, leading to an average debt burden of 110,000 USD per citizen, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability [9] - In contrast, China is effectively managing its local debt and is close to completing a 2 trillion RMB debt swap, indicating a healthier fiscal position compared to the US [20] Group 3 - China's economic resilience is attributed to technological advancements and industrial upgrades, with significant growth in exports, particularly in automobiles and ships [18] - The shift in China's export structure and its non-hegemonic approach to international relations contribute to its stable economic growth [18][22] - Russia's economy, while showing some resilience through increased oil exports and new trade partnerships, remains heavily impacted by sanctions and military expenditures [15][22] Group 4 - The contrasting economic trajectories of the three nations highlight the importance of long-term sustainability over short-term gains, with the US facing "low growth, high consumption" challenges, Russia struggling under sanctions, and China demonstrating steady progress [20][24] - The future global economic order will depend on each country's ability to address internal challenges and seize development opportunities [24]