Core Insights - Federal Reserve officials are divided on how concerned they should be about the U.S. labor market as they prepare for an upcoming meeting on interest rates [1] Group 1 - The division among Federal Reserve officials indicates differing perspectives on the strength and stability of the labor market [1] - The upcoming meeting in 10 days will focus on interest rate decisions, which are influenced by labor market conditions [1]

Economic Overview - The Federal Reserve's Beige Book indicates that overall economic activity in the U.S. has not changed significantly, with some regions reporting slight to moderate growth, while others show stagnation or slight declines [1] - The report highlights that inflation is being driven up by tariffs imposed by the government, leading to challenges for businesses in absorbing costs or passing them on to customers [2][3] - The labor market remains stable, but demand is generally weak across most Federal Reserve districts [1][2] Labor Market Insights - The labor market is showing signs of weakness, with stable employment levels but low demand for labor across various sectors [1][3] - Employers are resorting to layoffs and natural attrition to reduce workforce numbers due to weak demand and economic uncertainty [1][3] - Immigration policies are contributing to labor shortages in industries such as hospitality, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing [1] Inflation and Consumer Spending - Rising costs from imports, tariffs, and service expenses are accelerating input costs for businesses, with some passing these costs onto consumers [2][6] - Overall consumer spending has slightly declined, particularly in retail, with a growing divide in spending patterns among different income groups [2][7] - The impact of tariffs on inflation is becoming evident, with core goods inflation rising, particularly in categories like clothing and vehicles [6][7] Federal Reserve Policy Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to continue its trend of interest rate cuts, with a consensus for further reductions in October and December [8][9] - The current economic environment presents a complex scenario of employment risks and inflation pressures, influencing the Fed's monetary policy decisions [9][10] - The potential for a more dovish Federal Reserve leadership in the future could lead to increased rate cuts, especially in response to significant economic downturn signals [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is leaning towards further interest rate cuts, with most participants in the September meeting believing that easing monetary policy may be appropriate for the remainder of the year, although there are still internal disagreements regarding the timing and pace of future cuts [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Decision-Making - The Federal Reserve decided to lower the federal funds rate target range by 25 basis points to between 4% and 4.25% due to signs of weakness in the U.S. labor market [2]. - There is a classic dilemma facing the Federal Reserve: the potential weakness in the labor market versus persistently high inflation, leading to significant internal disagreements on the timing and pace of future rate cuts [2][3]. - Some officials expressed reservations about the September rate cut, suggesting that maintaining the rate could also be justified given that recent indicators did not show a sharp deterioration in the labor market [2]. Group 2: Economic Data and Government Shutdown - The U.S. federal government shutdown on October 1 has resulted in a lack of timely releases of key economic data such as non-farm payrolls and inflation, complicating the Federal Reserve's decision-making process for the upcoming meeting on October 28-29 [4]. - The shutdown may lead to a significant increase in the risk of misjudgment for the Federal Reserve, as it will have to rely on scattered private data and feedback from businesses [4]. - Market expectations currently fully price in a rate cut at the October meeting, with a 90% probability of another cut in December, influenced by potential job losses and economic output declines due to the government shutdown [4]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Predictions - Analysts from Tianfeng Securities believe that the government shutdown has increased expectations for two more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year, as it could negatively impact employment and GDP [5]. - The shutdown creates a "black box" for economic data, amplifying uncertainty and affecting market expectations regarding the economy [5]. - Concerns over rising debt and interest pressures are eroding the growth potential of the U.S. economy, with current debt rates around 3.4%, suggesting that a small rate cut may not address the fundamental issues [5].

Core Insights - Investors are increasingly utilizing alternative data sources to understand the U.S. labor market and economy amid the government shutdown [1] Group 1 - The reliance on alternative data is growing as traditional economic indicators may be less reliable during the shutdown [1] - Investors are seeking innovative ways to analyze labor market trends without access to government data [1] - The shift towards alternative data reflects a broader trend in investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of real-time information [1]

Group 1 - A weakening U.S. labor market poses risks for both the U.S. economy and markets [1] - The rate of new jobs created and the official unemployment rate are critical metrics but do not provide a complete picture of the labor market [1]

Group 1 - Chicago Fed President Goolsbee emphasizes a cautious approach to interest rate cuts due to weakening economic growth and a soft labor market [1][3] - The recent decision to lower the benchmark interest rate to a range of 4% to 4.25% was supported, but future adjustments will depend on economic data [1][3] - Goolsbee describes the current economic environment as shrouded in "stagflation fog," indicating that any rate cuts should be gradual to avoid new economic volatility [3][4] Group 2 - Concerns exist regarding the potential for tariffs implemented since April to push prices higher, complicating policy decisions [4] - The neutral interest rate, defined as neither suppressing nor stimulating the economy, is estimated at around 3.1%, suggesting about a 1% room for further rate cuts [4] - The Fed may consider two more rate cuts this year, one in each of the remaining quarters [4] Group 3 - Labor market signals are critical indicators, with a current unemployment rate of 4.3% remaining historically low despite a slowdown in hiring [6] - The Chicago Fed has launched a new labor monitoring system to better capture employment market changes, integrating eleven types of high-frequency data [6] - If the economy continues to move towards inflation targets, further rate cuts may be possible, but each step will require solid economic progress [6]

Group 1 - Nvidia's significant investment in OpenAI has reignited the AI boom, leading to record highs in the three major U.S. stock indices and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, reflecting heightened market sentiment [1] - Risk assets and safe-haven assets have both reached historical highs, raising questions among investors about whether the market has achieved "perfect pricing" and if it has fully reflected all positive factors, potentially limiting future gains [3] - Deutsche Bank's report suggests that the market is far from "perfect pricing," indicating that concerns about future risks provide potential upside for the market [3][4] Group 2 - The report outlines five key reasons why the market is not "perfectly priced," starting with the historical high in gold prices, which signals market fear rather than extreme optimism [4] - Current U.S. inflation expectations remain elevated, with the 2-year inflation swap rate at 2.92%, indicating that inflation pressures are priced in, which limits the Federal Reserve's ability to cut rates [7][5] - Ongoing tariff concerns persist, with potential for additional tariffs on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and critical minerals, reflecting unresolved risks in the market [8][9] Group 3 - The U.S. labor market shows signs of concern, with non-farm payroll growth averaging only 64,000 over the past six months, the lowest in the current economic cycle, and an unemployment rate of 4.3%, the highest since late 2021 [9] - There is a widespread expectation among investors for further interest rate cuts by major central banks, particularly the Federal Reserve, which reflects concerns about potential economic slowdown rather than strong economic signals [10]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut of 25 basis points to a target range of 4.00-4.25% reflects a preventive approach to manage risks in the economy, highlighting concerns over the labor market while maintaining a cautious stance on future economic conditions [1][4]. Economic Analysis - The current economic landscape shows a coexistence of strong economic growth and weak employment, with GDP growth forecasted to improve slightly by 0.2 percentage points compared to previous predictions, while unemployment rates are expected to rise [4]. - Powell described a "peculiar balance" in the labor market, where reduced labor supply due to immigration policies contrasts with weakened demand due to economic slowdown, contributing to the decision for the rate cut [5]. Political Influence - Political factors are increasingly impacting the Federal Reserve's independence, as evidenced by attempts from the Trump administration to influence Fed appointments, which poses a potential threat to its credibility and policy effectiveness [6]. Interest Rate Policy - There is significant divergence among Federal Reserve officials regarding future rate cuts, with the median forecast for rate cuts increasing from two to three times this year, indicating a growing split in opinions on monetary policy direction [7]. - The dot plot indicates a downward adjustment in future rate projections for 2026 and 2027, reflecting a cautious approach to economic data dependency [7]. Forward Guidance - The Federal Reserve is expected to continue its rate-cutting trajectory, with predictions of two additional 25 basis point cuts in October and December, aiming to reach a neutral rate of 3.25%-3.50% next year [8]. - The yield curve is anticipated to steepen due to market expectations of rate cuts and concerns over the Fed's independence, with potential for further steepening of 15-20 basis points [8]. Market Implications - Gold remains a favorable investment as central bank buying trends continue, and the renewed rate-cutting cycle supports its price, although investors are advised to adopt a dollar-cost averaging strategy due to high valuations [9]. - U.S. equities are expected to continue a moderate upward trend, driven by strong corporate earnings rather than valuation increases, with a balanced investment strategy recommended [9].

Core Viewpoint - The revised employment data indicates that the U.S. labor market is no longer as robust as previously thought [1] Group 1 - The adjustments in employment figures suggest a weakening in the stability of the labor market [1]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant information provided in the content 2. Core View of the Report - The US labor market has significantly weakened, with the overall non - farm employment revised down by 911,000 from April 2024 to March 2025, much higher than market expectations. The initial jobless claims in the week of September 6, 2025, also exceeded expectations. The inflation data shows that the US August PPI was significantly lower than expected, while the CPI was in line with or slightly higher than expectations. The market has increased the pricing of the Fed's interest rate cut. Silver prices will significantly benefit in the interest - rate cut cycle. It is recommended to buy on dips, with the reference operating range of the main Shanghai Gold futures contract at 816 - 860 yuan/gram and the main Shanghai Silver futures contract at 9710 - 10800 yuan/kilogram [2][3] 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Market Quotes - **Gold**: Shanghai Gold rose 0.39% to 834.00 yuan/gram, COMEX gold fell 0.25% to 3677.00 dollars/ounce. The London Gold rose 0.59% to 3651.10 dollars/ounce, and the Au(T + D) rose 0.51% to 830.34 yuan/gram. The SPDR Gold ETF holdings decreased by 0.32% to 974.80 tons [2][4] - **Silver**: Shanghai Silver rose 1.22% to 10051.00 yuan/kilogram, COMEX silver fell 0.47% to 42.63 dollars/ounce. The London Silver rose 2.88% to 42.26 dollars/ounce, and the Ag(T + D) rose 2.68% to 10034.00 yuan/kilogram. The SLV Silver ETF holdings decreased by 0.45% to 15069.60 tons [2][4] - **Other Markets**: The US 10 - year Treasury yield was 4.06%, the dollar index was 97.65. Stock market indices showed mixed performance, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.59%, the S&P 500 down 0.05%, the Nasdaq Composite up 0.44%, etc [2][4] 3.2 Economic Data - **Employment Data**: From April 2024 to March 2025, the US private - sector non - farm employment was revised down by 880,000, and the government - sector employment was revised down by 31,000, with a total non - farm revision of 911,000, much higher than market expectations. The initial jobless claims in the week of September 6, 2025, were 263,000, higher than expected [2] - **Inflation Data**: The US August PPI was significantly lower than expected, with the year - on - year value at 2.6% (expected 3.3%, previous 3.3%), and the month - on - month value at - 0.1% (expected 0.3%, previous 0.7%). The core PPI also showed a decline. The August CPI was in line with or slightly higher than expectations, with the year - on - year value at 2.9% (previous 2.7%), and the month - on - month value at 0.4% (expected 0.3%, previous 0.2%) [2] 3.3 Market Expectations - The market expects a 93.38% probability of a 25 - basis - point interest rate cut by the Fed in the September 2025 meeting and a 6.62% probability of a 50 - basis - point cut. It also expects 25 - basis - point cuts in the October and December meetings [3] 3.4 Technical Data - **Gold Technical Data**: For COMEX gold on September 12, 2025, the closing price of the active contract was 3680.70 dollars/ounce (up 0.20%), the trading volume was 147,600 lots (down 28.76%), the open interest was 509,600 lots (up 3.39%), and the inventory was 1210 tons (up 0.01%) [6] - **Silver Technical Data**: For COMEX silver on September 12, 2025, the closing price of the active contract was 42.68 dollars/ounce (up 1.46%), the open interest was 156,700 lots (down 1.05%), and the inventory was 16405 tons (up 0.55%) [6] 3.5 Spread Data - **Gold Spread**: On September 12, 2025, the SHFE - COMEX gold spread was - 3.66 yuan/gram (- 15.97 dollars/ounce), and the SGE - LBMA gold spread was - 3.55 yuan/gram (- 15.50 dollars/ounce) [64] - **Silver Spread**: On September 12, 2025, the SHFE - COMEX silver spread was 273.09 yuan/kilogram (1.19 dollars/ounce), and the SGE - LBMA silver spread was 377.78 yuan/kilogram (1.65 dollars/ounce) [64]