Inflation Trends - Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 27% year-over-year in July, aligning with economists' expectations [1] - Core prices, excluding volatile food and energy, increased to 31%, slightly exceeding overall inflation [1] - Inflation had been gradually decreasing over the past couple of years but has recently plateaued [1][2] Tariff Impact - Tariffs are starting to impact consumer prices, but not drastically [1] - Prices of imported goods subject to tariffs, which were previously declining, are now increasing [2] - Businesses are actively trying to shift the cost of tariffs onto others [4] - The extent to which consumers will bear the burden of tariffs remains a key question for inflation [4] Federal Reserve (The Fed) - The inflation report was not ideal but not disastrous for the Fed [2] - The Fed is considering a potential interest rate cut in September [2] - This consideration is not solely based on inflation but also on concerns about a slowdown in the labor market [3]

All right, we are back with some breaking economic data. Now, in July, inflation rose by 0.2% month overmonth and by 2.7% year-over-year. Here to talk more about these numbers and what they really mean for you, NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Chung and Investipedia's editor-inchief Caleb Silver.Guys, good morning to you both. Uh Brian, we'll start with you. Let's uh go over to the big board and walk us through these numbers and how they compare with previous months.Yeah. Well, inflation is pi ...

Bond investors betting on a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month face a potential roadblock: inflation https://t.co/Wx4IOOjgBA ...

From increased possibilities for an interest rate cut to the best areas for affordable housing, here is some news that could impact your wallet this week, and how you can prepare your finances for the week ahead. https://t.co/0MltOGWnWU ...

当地时间8月7日，英国中央银行英格兰银行宣布，将基准利率下调25个基点，从4.25%降至4%，这也是2024年8月以来英国第5次降息。 据当地媒体报道，此次降息的决定是英格兰银行通过两次投票才做出的，最终以微弱的票数差距决定降息。（总台记者 杨兢兢） ...

GDP & Tariffs Impact - Q2 GDP 增长 3%，表现强劲 [1] - 分析认为应区分 Q1（关税前）和 Q2（关税后）的数据，Q2 的数据更能反映未来的经济走势 [2] - 如果忽略 Q1 的数据，并基于 Q2 的数据进行预测，大幅降息可能会导致经济过热 [3] - 家具和耐用家居设备成本在 6 月份环比增长 1.3%（年化后接近 15%），娱乐用品和车辆也大幅增长，这可能是关税对消费者的不利影响的初步显现 [11][12][13] Fed's Policy - 美联储不降息可能是为了减缓特朗普政府在中期选举前的经济影响力 [3] - 在没有政治干预的情况下，应该降息 [4] - 需密切关注某些预计会受到关税价格影响的类别，以判断是否需要调整利率政策 [13] US-EU Trade Deal - 美国与欧盟达成新的贸易协议，欧盟将向美国产品开放市场，对美国产品不征收关税，但对进入美国的欧盟产品征收 15% 的关税 [6] - 欧盟将向美国投资 6000 亿美元，购买 7500 亿美元的美国能源 [6] - 欧盟还将购买数亿美元的美国军事产品，并承诺将其对北约的贡献提高到 GDP 的 5%（之前约为 2%）[7] - 该协议对美国来说是一项巨大的胜利，相当于向美国注入了 2 万亿美元的刺激，且不会引发通货膨胀 [7][9]

There’s now a 90% chance the FED will cut rates in September.Expect Bitcoin and Altcoins to go parabolic! https://t.co/Dd56eSJiWc ...

Well, earning season is showing us whether economic uncertainty is having an impact on companies and consumers. But do the results reflect what the recent macro data is signaling. Let's bring in JP Morgan asset management chief global strategist David Kelly and Bonson Group chief investment officer David Bonson.David's welcome. Uh David Bonson, Palanteer. We're going to get the results pretty darn soon.You argue it's run too far, but does this market need names like Palunteer to defy gravity if the market's ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter results were in line with expectations, showing a rebound in Advanced Materials, which offset sluggish construction activity and tariff uncertainties, particularly in polyurethanes [6][8] - Positive cash flow was generated in the second quarter, despite a $25 million EBITDA impact due to aggressive inventory and working capital management [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advanced Materials showed normalized earnings, while construction activity remained disappointing [6][8] - The polyurethane segment faced challenges with low utilization rates, operating in the low to mid-80 percent range [12][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market conditions are characterized by low inventories and muted consumer confidence, with expectations for gradual improvement in construction [7][8] - MDI utilization rates are expected to be higher in North America compared to China, which is operating at lower rates [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and is cautious about capital spending beyond necessary safety and maintenance [8][10] - There is an ongoing review of the asset portfolio, with a focus on creating value over volume [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a cautious outlook for the third quarter, indicating neither panic nor excessive optimism, while anticipating long-term improvements in construction [8] - The company is preparing for potential impacts from higher tariffs and interest rate cuts, aiming for better profit and loss outcomes [10][11] Other Important Information - The closure of the Maleka anhydride facility was due to a lack of competitiveness in the European market, with the decision made after exploring all options [60][61] - The company is not planning to build a new MDI plant, citing sufficient global capacity [51][53] Q&A Session Summary Question: MDI utilization rates in the second quarter and expectations for the third quarter - The industry is operating in the low to mid-80 percent range, with North America slightly higher and China lower [12][13] Question: Update on order books in July - The order books are stable, with customers ordering just in time due to low inventories [17][18] Question: Thoughts on the dividend - The board is carefully considering the dividend, focusing on cash generation and market conditions [29][30] Question: Impact of trade finality on customer behavior - Customers prefer clarity on trade policies to reduce volatility, which affects purchasing behavior [36][42] Question: Future of European footprint and MDI facility - The European facility is expected to remain competitive, with ongoing evaluations of operating costs [62] Question: Price declines in polyurethanes - A 5% year-over-year price decline was noted, primarily driven by competitive dynamics in Europe [90][91] Question: Expectations for MTBE margins - Margins are expected to struggle in the second half of the year, with typical seasonal performance [114] Question: Rate cuts and their impact on construction - The direction of rate cuts is more important than the amount, with potential for significant economic catalysis if multiple cuts are anticipated [116]

Core Insights - The article discusses the current sentiment and positioning of funds in the U.S. precious metals futures market, highlighting a shift towards net long positions in gold and silver while palladium remains in a prolonged net short position [1][2][8]. Group 1: Fund Positioning in Precious Metals - As of last Tuesday, net long positions in U.S. precious metals futures have increased due to a reduction in short positions, with gold reaching a net long of 531 tons, the highest in 16 weeks, and silver at 7,039 tons, the highest in three weeks [2][7]. - The gold fund's long positions increased by 15% week-on-week, while short positions decreased by 3%, indicating a strong bullish sentiment [7]. - The palladium fund remains in a net short position of 8 tons, marking the highest level of net short positions in 38 weeks, and has been in a net short position for 134 consecutive weeks [8]. Group 2: Economic Indicators and Market Sentiment - Recent improvements in U.S. economic indicators, such as employment data and consumer confidence, have led to a rise in risk appetite among investors, favoring investments in silver, platinum, and digital currencies [2][27]. - The market currently estimates a 34.5% chance that the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates at the upcoming meeting on September 17, with expectations of potential rate cuts later in the year [24][27]. - The article notes that inflation data is beginning to rise, which could complicate the Fed's decision-making process regarding interest rates [27][30]. Group 3: Market Trends and Predictions - The gold price has accumulated a 30.7% increase year-to-date, while silver prices have risen by 36.0% during the same period [7][11]. - The article highlights a significant divergence in performance between gold and silver, with the gold-to-silver ratio indicating market sentiment, currently at 87.465, reflecting a high level of risk aversion [22][23]. - The article suggests that if gold prices continue to rise while mining stocks decline, it may signal caution for investors [21].