Group 1: CPI Analysis - In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a month-on-month increase of 0.3% but a year-on-year decrease of 0.1% [1] - Food prices are under dual constraints from weak downstream Producer Price Index (PPI) and overall market demand, leading to a projected year-on-year decline in CPI of 0.4% [1] - Wholesale agricultural product prices increased by 1.9% month-on-month in August, with vegetable prices rising by 8.0% due to adverse weather conditions [1] Group 2: PPI Analysis - The Producer Price Index (PPI) is expected to remain flat month-on-month in August, with a year-on-year decline narrowing to approximately -2.9% [2] - The recovery in commodity prices, along with a low base effect, may support a slight rebound in PPI, with significant increases in the prices of steel and coal observed [3] - However, the decline in international oil prices and low capacity utilization in midstream and downstream sectors may limit the extent of PPI recovery [3]

Core Insights - The BPI Industrial Raw Materials Price Index remained stable in August, with energy prices weak due to easing geopolitical tensions, while non-ferrous metal prices increased [1][5][6] - Domestic demand pricing for bulk commodities showed mixed results, with significant increases in thermal coal and coking coal prices, while rebar and glass futures declined [9][12] - The trend of declining housing prices continued in major cities, with second-hand housing price indices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen showing decreases [12] Group 1: Price Index and Commodity Trends - The BPI index recorded 869 points as of August 31, unchanged from the end of July, with energy prices down 0.2% and non-ferrous prices up 1.4% month-on-month [1][6] - In August, 139 commodities saw price increases, primarily in the chemical sector (88 commodities) and non-ferrous metals (16 commodities) [6] - The South China Comprehensive Index fell by 0.6% month-on-month, while the monthly average value recorded a year-on-year increase of 3.3% [9] Group 2: Emerging Industries and Downstream Prices - The photovoltaic industry composite index (SPI) rose by 5.1% month-on-month, with polysilicon prices increasing by 2.2% and lithium carbonate futures up 14.3% [12][13] - The DXI index, reflecting semiconductor (DRAM) market conditions, increased by 2.4% [12][13] - Downstream prices remained weak, with the Linyi Mall Price Index dropping by 0.41% compared to the end of July, particularly in clothing and hardware sectors [14] Group 3: Shipping and Logistics - Export shipping prices generally declined, with the China Container Freight Index (CCFI) down 8.3% month-on-month [15][16] - The WCID container freight indices for routes from Shanghai to Los Angeles and New York fell by 11.4% and 7.5%, respectively [18] - The average monthly value of the highway logistics price index increased by 0.8% year-on-year, but showed a downward trend in August [20] Group 4: Food Prices and Consumer Trends - Food prices exhibited mixed trends, with average wholesale prices for pork down 1.9% month-on-month, while prices for 28 key vegetables rose by 12.0% [21] - The average wholesale price for seven monitored fruits decreased by 2.7%, and corn futures fell by 3.1% [21] - The ICPI index from Tsinghua University recorded a monthly value of 99.66, indicating a decline compared to July [14] Group 5: PMI and Economic Signals - The PMI and EPMI price signals were strong, with both the purchasing and output price indices rising for the third consecutive month [22] - Current price data indicates a lack of a clear trend, with strong prices mainly in sectors influenced by supply-demand dynamics [22]

Supply and Demand - Construction activity remains at a seasonal low, with cement dispatch volumes declining again, indicating weak demand[15] - Industrial production is at a historically high level but has marginally decreased compared to the previous two weeks[24] - Construction demand has turned negative year-on-year, with rebar and building materials demand falling to historical lows[31] Prices - Domestic industrial prices are fluctuating weakly due to limited demand-side support, with the Nanhua Composite Index declining[45] - International commodity prices are volatile, with gold prices showing a strong upward trend amid expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve[42] Real Estate - New housing transactions have seen a narrowing year-on-year decline, with a 33% increase in transaction area compared to the previous two weeks[63] - Second-hand housing transactions are showing marginal improvement, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen experiencing year-on-year changes of -3%, +17%, and +19% respectively[68] Exports - August exports are expected to grow by approximately 5% to 7%, with a model indicating a 5.5% increase[71] Liquidity - Recent weeks have seen a rise in funding rates, with the R007 and DR007 both at 1.52% as of August 31[76] - The central bank has implemented a net withdrawal of 13,759 billion yuan through reverse repos in the last two weeks[78]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the conditions required for the Producer Price Index (PPI) to turn positive, emphasizing the need for significant increases in commodity prices, particularly in the context of current economic conditions and historical precedents [3][4][9]. Summary by Sections Commodity Price Trends - Since July, major commodities have experienced a slight decline after a peak, with coal and black metals rising by 13.8% and 3.9% respectively by mid-August [3]. - The PPI is expected to show a year-on-year increase in August due to a low base last year, but it remains in negative territory for 34 consecutive months [3]. PPI Composition and Impact - The PPI consists of various components, with black metals, non-ferrous metals, crude oil, coal, and other goods contributing 13.6%, 7.3%, 16.7%, 9.3%, and 53.2% respectively [5]. - In the first seven months of 2025, crude oil, black metals, coal, and other goods negatively impacted the PPI by 1, 0.9, 0.5, and 0.9 percentage points, while non-ferrous metals contributed positively by 0.4 percentage points [5]. Price Requirements for PPI to Turn Positive - For the PPI to turn positive by the end of the year, the average month-on-month PPI from August to December needs to reach 0.43%, which is similar to levels seen during the 2016 supply-side reforms [8]. - Corresponding to this, prices for rebar, non-caking coal, copper, and crude oil need to increase by 11% from July levels, reaching 3580 CNY, 940 CNY, 88000 CNY, and 79 USD respectively [8]. - If crude oil and copper prices remain stable, rebar and non-caking coal prices would need to rise by approximately 20% from July averages to achieve a positive PPI [8]. Historical Context and Future Outlook - Historical examples show that significant price increases in commodities often require external factors, such as the 198% rise in non-caking coal prices in 2021 due to energy-saving measures [9]. - A more realistic scenario for PPI turning positive may occur in Q2 of next year, where a 4% increase in prices from July levels would suffice [9]. - However, after Q2 of next year, the low base effect will diminish, necessitating further conditions for PPI positivity, especially if crude oil prices continue to decline [9][11]. Demand Considerations - The analysis assumes that upstream price increases can be effectively transmitted to downstream sectors, which is contingent on sufficient demand [10]. - Weak demand, particularly in the real estate sector, has historically hindered price transmission, preventing the PPI from turning positive despite rising upstream prices [11].

Report Summary 1) Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2) Core Viewpoints of the Report - If PPI is to turn positive by the end of this year, the average monthly PPI MoM from August to December needs to reach 0.43%, similar to the average during the 2016 supply - side reform. Commodity prices need to rise significantly, with rebar, anthracite, copper, and crude oil prices needing to increase by 11% from July levels [2][8]. - Given that crude oil and copper are globally - priced commodities and crude oil prices have been weakening, domestic - priced commodities like rebar and coal need to rise more for PPI to turn positive by the end of the year. For example, if oil and copper prices remain flat, rebar and anthracite need to rise about 20% from July averages [8]. - A more realistic scenario is for PPI to approach positive growth in Q2 next year. With a low - base effect, rebar, anthracite, copper, and crude oil prices only need to rise about 4% from July this year to drive PPI to turn positive [9]. - PPI turning positive depends on demand. Weak demand can block price transmission, requiring larger price increases in upstream commodities for PPI to turn positive [12]. 3) Summary by Related Catalog Current Commodity Price Situation - Since July, commodities first rose and then slightly declined. As of mid - August, coal and ferrous metals rose 13.8% and 3.9% MoM respectively compared to mid - July, leading the increase among major commodities [4]. - Due to a low base last year, the PPI YoY in August is expected to rebound but will still remain in negative territory for the 34th consecutive month [4]. PPI Composition and Impact Factors - In the PPI composition, the weights of ferrous metals, non - ferrous metals, crude oil, coal, and other commodities are 13.6%, 7.3%, 16.7%, 9.3%, and 53.2% respectively. From January to July 2025, crude oil, ferrous metals, coal, and other commodities dragged down PPI by 1, 0.9, 0.5, and 0.9 percentage points respectively, while non - ferrous metals boosted PPI by 0.4 percentage points [4]. Representative Commodities for PPI - The spot prices of rebar, anthracite, copper, and Brent crude oil are selected as representative commodities for ferrous, coal, non - ferrous, and crude oil PPI, with correlation coefficients of 81%, 93%, 75%, and 96% respectively [5]. Historical Examples of Commodity Price Increases - In 2021, "sports - style" energy conservation and emission reduction drove coal prices up. In October 2021, anthracite prices rose 198% compared to April, driving the PPI YoY of the coal mining and washing industry from 13% to 103.7% in October [8]. - From 2016 - 2017, the supply - side reform drove up ferrous metal prices. At the end of 2016, rebar and wire rod prices rose 82% and 91% compared to the end of 2015, driving the PPI YoY of the ferrous metal smelting and rolling processing industry up by 35% at the end of 2016 [9]. Commodity Price Requirements for PPI to Turn Positive | Time | Rebar | Anthracite | Copper | Crude Oil | Average Commodity Price Increase | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | July Average | 3213 yuan/ton | 844 yuan/ton | 78644 yuan/ton | 71 dollars/ton | - | | Q4 2025 | 3580 yuan/ton | 940 yuan/ton | 87609 yuan/ton | 79 dollars/ton | 11% | | Q1 2026 | 3519 yuan/ton | 924 yuan/ton | 86115 yuan/ton | 78 dollars/ton | 10% | | Q2 2026 | 3342 yuan/ton | 877 yuan/ton | 81789 yuan/ton | 74 dollars/ton | 4% | [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of U.S. interest rates and the potential benefits and risks of interest rate cuts, particularly in the context of Trump's criticism of the Federal Reserve and its chairman Powell [1][3][11]. Group 1: U.S. Interest Rates and Economic Impact - Trump has been vocal about the need for lower interest rates, arguing that current rates are too high and impose significant economic costs, estimating a $360 billion annual cost for each percentage point of high interest rates [5][7]. - High interest rates lead to reduced borrowing and spending, which can result in job losses and lower economic growth, as evidenced by the disappointing non-farm payroll data [8][10]. - Lowering interest rates could stimulate economic activity by making borrowing cheaper, which is crucial for consumer spending and business expansion [7][11]. Group 2: Global Trade and Currency Dynamics - A reduction in interest rates could weaken the dollar, making U.S. exports more competitive while also mitigating the impact of tariffs on consumers [10][11]. - However, a weaker dollar could also lead to a stronger yuan, potentially harming China's export competitiveness and accelerating the shift of low-end manufacturing to Southeast Asia [21][23]. Group 3: Opportunities and Risks for Emerging Markets - Historically, U.S. rate cuts have led to increased capital inflows into emerging markets, which could benefit markets like China's A-shares [19]. - The influx of capital could also create asset bubbles and financial volatility, particularly in sectors like technology [21][24]. - To mitigate risks, China could enhance its import reserves and support high-tech industries while upgrading its manufacturing capabilities to counteract the effects of a weaker dollar [23][24].

Group 1 - The article discusses the potential impact of the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts on commodity prices, suggesting a strategy of buying on dips for commodities like copper, aluminum, and gold [1][14] - There is a divergence in market opinions regarding the effects of rate cuts on commodity prices, with some believing that rate cuts indicate economic slowdown while others argue that they can stimulate economic growth and liquidity, thus supporting commodity prices [1][3] - Historical data shows that during past rate cut cycles, commodity prices often rebound after initial declines, particularly in the context of economic recovery following rate cuts [2][3] Group 2 - Since 1982, the U.S. has experienced multiple rate cut cycles, with the current cycle beginning in September 2022, resulting in a total reduction of 100 basis points [2] - The article highlights that rate cuts are typically implemented during significant economic downturns, and the pace of cuts tends to be more aggressive compared to rate hikes [2][3] - The relationship between economic performance and commodity prices is emphasized, indicating that global economic growth is a key determinant of commodity price trends [4] Group 3 - Different commodities exhibit varying sensitivities to interest rate changes, with gold being highly sensitive to real interest rates, copper reflecting economic growth expectations, and oil being influenced by both demand and supply factors [5][6] - Statistical data supports the notion that metals and industrial raw materials are more sensitive to interest rate changes compared to agricultural commodities [6] Group 4 - The article outlines the Federal Reserve's monetary policy path, noting that inflation and employment data will significantly influence future rate decisions [9][11] - The current economic environment suggests a potential for further rate cuts, with market expectations indicating a possible reduction in the federal funds rate to between 3.3% and 3.5% in the near future [13][14] - The necessity for rate cuts is underscored by a weakening labor market and declining inflation, which may lead to increased pressure on the Federal Reserve to adjust its policies [14]

Group 1: Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Policy - The market is increasingly focused on the potential impact of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts on commodity prices, with differing opinions on the effects [1][5] - Since September of last year, the current rate cut cycle has seen a total reduction of 100 basis points, with rates adjusted from 5.25%-5.5% to 4.25%-4.5% [1][3] - The Fed's rate cuts typically occur in response to significant economic downturns, and the pace of rate cuts is generally more rapid compared to rate hikes [1][3] Group 2: Commodity Sensitivity to Interest Rates - Gold is highly sensitive to real interest rates, with rising real rates negatively impacting gold prices due to increased opportunity costs [2] - Copper is viewed as an economic barometer, with its prices affected by economic growth expectations and demand from key sectors [2] - Oil prices are influenced by a complex interplay of demand and supply factors, with rate cuts potentially supporting prices despite economic weakness [2] Group 3: Economic Indicators and Future Projections - The labor market in the U.S. shows signs of cooling, with non-farm employment growth slowing and unemployment remaining low, increasing the necessity for Fed rate cuts [4][7] - Inflation data indicates a moderate rebound, but overall inflation levels are expected to remain weak in the second half of the year [3][4] - Market expectations suggest that the Fed may lower rates to a range of 3.3%-3.5% in the first half of next year, indicating a potential for further cuts [4][7] Group 4: Market Reactions and Investment Strategies - The weakening labor market and ongoing inflation decline highlight the growing necessity for Fed rate cuts, which could benefit commodities sensitive to Fed policies [7][8] - The current geopolitical landscape and central bank gold purchases are expected to support gold prices in the long term, maintaining a bullish outlook [8]

Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the current economic indicators and trends in various sectors, including liquidity, infrastructure, real estate, industrial products, and export chains, providing insights into potential investment opportunities and market dynamics. Liquidity - The M1 and M2 growth rate difference was -3.7 percentage points in June 2025, with a month-on-month increase of 1.9 percentage points [4] - The BCI small and medium enterprise financing environment index was 46.09 in July 2025, down 6.16% from the previous month [4] - London gold prices increased by 1.07% compared to the previous week [4] Infrastructure and Real Estate Chain - Key enterprises' average daily crude steel production hit a new low for the year in late July [5] - Price changes included rebar down 0.60%, cement price index down 0.37%, rubber down 1.71%, coke up 3.79%, coking coal up 3.55%, and iron ore up 1.31% [5] - National blast furnace capacity utilization rate decreased by 0.15 percentage points, while cement and asphalt production rates increased by 10.00% and decreased by 0.6% respectively [5] Real Estate Completion Chain - Titanium dioxide and flat glass prices changed by -0.39% and 0.00% respectively, with glass profit at -58 CNY/ton and titanium dioxide profit at -1353 CNY/ton [6] - The flat glass operating rate was 73% this week [6] Industrial Products Chain - Major commodity prices showed cold-rolled steel, copper, and aluminum increasing by 1.26%, 0.33%, and 0.68% respectively, with corresponding profit changes of +6.01%, -18.19%, and +4.26% [7] - The national semi-steel tire operating rate was 74.35%, down 0.10 percentage points [7] Subcategories - The electrolytic aluminum capacity utilization rate reached a new high since 2012 [8] - Graphite electrode price was 18,000 CNY/ton, unchanged, with a comprehensive profit of 1357.4 CNY/ton, down 7.35% [8] - The price of electrolytic aluminum was 20,630 CNY/ton, up 0.68%, with estimated profit at 3,050 CNY/ton (excluding tax), up 4.26% [8] Price Comparison Relationships - The price ratio of rebar to iron ore was 4.24 this week [9] - The price difference between hot-rolled and rebar steel was 140 CNY/ton, while the price difference between Shanghai cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel was 380 CNY/ton, down 10 CNY/ton [9] - The price difference between medium-thick plates and rebar steel was 160 CNY/ton this week [9] Export Chain - The new export orders PMI for China in July 2025 was 47.10%, down 0.6 percentage points [10] - The CCFI comprehensive index for container shipping rates was 1200.73 points, down 2.56% [10] - The U.S. crude steel capacity utilization rate was 78.70%, up 0.30 percentage points [10] Valuation Percentiles - The CSI 300 index increased by 1.23%, with the best-performing cyclical sector being engineering machinery at +6.21% [11] - The PB ratio of ordinary steel and industrial metals relative to the CSI 300 index was 47.28% and 69.23% respectively [11] - The current PB ratio for the ordinary steel sector is 0.57, with the highest value since 2013 being 0.82 [11]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content provided 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the short - term, due to repeated digestion of previous policy benefits and unimproved corporate profits, the stock index may face callback risks after continuous rise; for gold, although the market's expectation of a Fed rate cut in September has increased, the easing of global trade tensions may lead to a continuation of the adjustment after the rebound, maintaining a band - short thinking [39][40] - In the medium - to long - term, the stock index's valuation is dragged down by the decline in corporate profit growth, and it is expected to maintain a wide - range shock; gold may face a deep adjustment due to the fading of tariff policy uncertainties and the release of dovish signals by the Fed [40] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1. Macroeconomic Data at Home and Abroad - In July this year, the growth rates of imports and exports both rebounded, mainly due to the rise in commodity prices and the low - base effect of the same period last year. However, domestic and foreign demand remains weak [4] 3.2. Stock Index Fundamental Data 3.2.1. Corporate Profit - The rise in commodity prices helps improve the profits of upstream raw material processing industries, but due to weak terminal demand, enterprises still face great operating pressure, with the phenomenon of increasing revenue but not profit. They have to reduce production and inventory, and the inflection point of profit growth has not arrived [15] 3.2.2. Capital Situation - The margin balance of the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets is approaching the 2 - trillion - yuan mark. The central bank conducted 1.1267 trillion yuan of 7 - day reverse repurchase operations this week, achieving a net withdrawal of 536.5 billion yuan [19] 3.3. Gold Fundamental Data 3.3.1. US Economic Data - In June, the number of new non - farm jobs in the US was 73,000, far lower than the expected 110,000, and the unemployment rate rose from 4.1% to 4.2%. In July, the ISM manufacturing PMI dropped to 48, contracting for 5 consecutive months. Fed officials released dovish signals, suggesting that the time window for a rate cut is approaching [23] 3.3.2. Gold Inventory - The warehouse receipts and inventory of Shanghai gold futures have soared, while the New York futures inventory has continued to decline, and the market's bullish sentiment has cooled [36] 3.4. Strategy Recommendation - Short - term: Be cautious of the callback risk of the stock index; for gold, maintain a band - short thinking [40] - Medium - to long - term: The stock index is expected to maintain a wide - range shock; gold may face a deep adjustment [40] 3.5. Next Week's Focus and Risk Warning - Key data such as China's July investment, consumption, industrial added value, US CPI, and speeches by Fed officials [41]