Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and strategies of Lufthansa Airlines in the context of the evolving global aviation industry, particularly focusing on the insights from Chen Qian, the General Manager of Lufthansa Greater China, regarding cost control, market positioning, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on the airline's operations [4][8][11]. Group 1: Historical Context and Industry Challenges - The opening of the Beijing Yansha Friendship Store in 1992 marked a significant moment in China's economic reform, introducing a new retail format that attracted many consumers [2][3]. - Lufthansa Airlines, as a pioneer in entering the Chinese market, benefited from the rapid economic growth during the reform era but now faces significant challenges due to the post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical tensions [3][4]. - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the global aviation industry, leading to a near-collapse of Lufthansa, which required a €9 billion government bailout to survive [4][11]. Group 2: Cost Control and Competitive Strategy - Chen Qian emphasizes the importance of cost control and maintaining competitive advantages in a volatile geopolitical environment, stating that effective cost management is crucial for navigating various industry cycles [8][11]. - Lufthansa's strategy includes a collaborative approach to sales and operations across its various brands, which helps reduce costs and improve efficiency [8][9]. - Despite the competitive pressure in the Chinese market, Lufthansa aims to maintain its service quality and brand identity rather than engage in price wars, focusing on a differentiated service offering [9][11]. Group 3: Market Opportunities and Adaptation - The article highlights the growing demand from Chinese companies expanding internationally, presenting a significant opportunity for Lufthansa to cater to this emerging market [13][14]. - Lufthansa is adapting its services to better meet the needs of Chinese consumers, including localized menu options and digital engagement strategies, such as launching accounts on popular Chinese social media platforms [14][16][17]. - The airline's focus on digitalization and understanding consumer preferences is seen as essential for capturing market share in China's evolving aviation landscape [15][16]. Group 4: Geopolitical Risks and Crisis Management - Chen Qian identifies geopolitical uncertainties, including trade wars and currency fluctuations, as major concerns for the airline industry, necessitating proactive risk management strategies [11][12]. - Lufthansa has established a crisis management team to respond swiftly to emerging challenges, a practice that has continued post-pandemic [12][13]. - The airline's diversified operations across multiple countries help mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions, allowing for a more resilient business model [13].

Report Information - Report Title: Aluminum Daily Report [1] - Report Date: August 15, 2025 [2] - Research Team: Non-ferrous Metals Research Team [3] - Researchers: Yu Feifei, Zhang Ping, Peng Jinglin [3] Investment Rating - No investment rating information provided in the report. Core Viewpoints - Due to the cooling of the US dollar easing expectation trading and the weak financial data in July in China, the economic outlook remains sluggish, and Shanghai Aluminum is under pressure and weakens. Maintain the high - short strategy for Shanghai Aluminum due to the off - season and inventory pressure [7]. - Alumina has a surplus in fundamentals, so maintain the idea of selling on rebounds, and be vigilant against the risk of sharp price fluctuations caused by sentiment changes. For electrolytic aluminum, the operating capacity remains high, the processing enterprises are in the off - season, and the inventory is seasonally increasing. The smelting enterprises have rich profits [7]. - The supply and demand of cast aluminum are both weak, and it continues to operate in a range, with the AD - AL negative spread remaining at a low level for the time being [7]. Summary by Directory 1. Market Review and Operation Suggestions - Shanghai Aluminum's main contract 2509 closed at 20,715, down 0.38%, and the 08 - 09 backwardation turned to parity. Cast - aluminum alloy fluctuated weakly following Shanghai Aluminum, and the AD - AL negative spread was reported at - 510. The supply of scrap aluminum is tight, and the downstream automotive industry is in the off - season, maintaining a supply - demand dual - weak pattern [7]. - After the news stimulus decreases, alumina has a high - level correction. With the unchanged surplus fundamentals, maintain the idea of selling on rebounds. For electrolytic aluminum, the operating capacity remains high, the processing enterprises are in the off - season, and the inventory continues to increase seasonally [7]. 2. Industry News - On August 10, the Shanxi Provincial Department of Natural Resources decided to adjust the registration authority for the transfer of some mineral types, including ceramic clay, refractory clay, kaolin, and iron alum [8]. - On August 4, the Guinean government established Nimba Mining Company SA (NMC) to take over the mining rights of EGA - GAC. The mining rights of a 690.20 - square - kilometer mining area previously held by GAC have been granted to NMC for 25 years [10]. - The mining rights of Sanmenxia Jinjiang Mining Co., Ltd.'s bauxite mine in Shanzhou District have been changed, with a valid period from June 4, 2025, to April 3, 2030, and a designed production scale of 500,000 tons per year [10]. - Rio Tinto approved an investment of $180 million to start the Norman Creek bauxite project in Queensland, Australia. The construction is expected to be completed in 2028 [10]. - In June 2025, China's primary aluminum imports were about 192,400 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 13.8% and a year - on - year increase of 58.7%. From January to June, the cumulative primary aluminum imports were about 1.2499 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 2.5%. In June, the primary aluminum exports were about 19,600 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 39.5% and a year - on - year increase of 179.4%. From January to June, the cumulative primary aluminum exports were about 86,600 tons, a year - on - year increase of about 206.6%. In June, the net primary aluminum imports were 172,700 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 9.4% and a year - on - year increase of 51.3%. From January to June, the cumulative net primary aluminum imports were about 1.1633 million tons, a year - on - year decrease of 2.3% [10].

Group 1: Gold Market Analysis - Gold prices reached a two-week high of $3408.71 due to increased safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical uncertainties and weak U.S. employment data [2][3] - On August 7, gold prices surged by $26.05, or 0.77%, closing at $3395.30 per ounce, as market participants anticipated a dovish stance from the Federal Reserve [2] - The market is currently experiencing a wide trading range between $3400 and $3370, with ongoing volatility influenced by various news events, including U.S. tariffs and employment data [3][4] Group 2: Technical Analysis of Gold - The recent fluctuations in gold prices are attributed to conflicting news, with the People's Bank of China increasing its gold reserves for nine consecutive months, providing bullish support [3] - The market is expected to continue its "whipsaw" behavior, with potential for a downward trend following a brief upward movement [4][6] - Short-term trading strategies suggest focusing on selling during price rebounds, with key resistance levels identified at $3408-$3418 and support levels at $3370-$3360 [6] Group 3: Oil Market Analysis - International oil prices have shown significant declines, with Brent crude falling to $66.40 per barrel and WTI crude to $63.82 per barrel, marking a weekly drop of over 4% and 5% respectively [7] - The downward pressure on oil prices is primarily due to concerns over the impact of new U.S. tariffs on global economic growth and shifts in OPEC+ policies [7][8] - The technical outlook for oil indicates a bearish trend, with six consecutive days of declining prices and MACD indicators suggesting strengthening bearish momentum [8]

Core Insights - The third China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo (Chain Expo) concluded on July 20 in Beijing, providing a significant platform for deepening supply chain cooperation between Australian and Chinese enterprises [1][2] - The event saw a notable increase in the number of participating member companies from the Australia-China Chamber of Commerce, indicating a heightened recognition of the expo's value [1] - According to a report by the Australia-China Chamber of Commerce, 67% of Australian companies view China as one of their top three global investment destinations, with nearly half increasing their investments in China over the past year [1] Group 1 - The Chain Expo serves as an excellent platform for member companies to connect with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers, as well as to explore emerging enterprises and market opportunities [1] - The confidence of Australian companies in the Chinese market is driven by recognition of its scale and consumption potential, as well as positive expectations regarding the policy environment and cooperation prospects [2] - Australia is a key supplier of clean energy raw materials, possessing abundant resources such as lithium, nickel, and rare earths, which complements China's strengths in green manufacturing and smart equipment [2] Group 2 - The recent visit of Australian Prime Minister Albanese to China signals a positive development in bilateral relations, moving from stabilization to deeper cooperation [2] - There is significant potential for collaboration in clean energy, modern agriculture, and educational technology, which will not only aid Australia's economic transformation but also enhance the ability of both countries to address uncertainties [2] - The Chinese market will continue to play an indispensable role in the global strategies of Australian enterprises [2]

Core Viewpoint - ASML warns that it may not achieve growth by 2026 due to the impact of US tariff policies [1] Company Summary - ASML's CEO, Peter Wennink, stated that the company is still striving for growth by 2026 but cannot guarantee it at this time [1] - The company is increasingly affected by potential US trade restrictions, similar to the entire semiconductor industry [1] - Geopolitical uncertainties have intensified, particularly after April, leading to price increases for ASML's machines and the chips they produce [1] - ASML focuses on high-end lithography machine production and is a global leader in semiconductor equipment maintenance and refurbishment [1]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content provided 2. Core Views of the Report - The tariff situation has heated up again, the market risk appetite has declined, and short - term market hedging demand has increased, causing the gold price to break through an important level [2]. - The jump in the implied annualized lease rate of London spot silver indicates a surge in investment demand leading to tight inventories, providing strong support for the silver price, which may continue to rise in the short term [2]. - Gold prices may still be driven by three factors: the Fed's dovish policy expectation suppressing real interest rates, the risk of US fiscal deficit monetization pushing up sovereign credit premiums, and geopolitical uncertainty maintaining hedging demand [2]. - The long - term supply - demand tightness of silver provides price support. However, due to the large uncertainty in inflation prospects and the swing of rate - cut expectations, and the silver price being at a high level since 2012, it may face some short - term correction risks [2]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market - The closing price of the Shanghai gold main contract is 781.4 yuan/gram, up 7.84 yuan; the closing price of the Shanghai silver main contract is 9207 yuan/kilogram, up 167 yuan [2]. - The position of the Shanghai gold main contract is 191,083 lots, up 9,151 lots; the position of the Shanghai silver main contract is 448,095 lots, up 45,139 lots [2]. - The net position of the top 20 in the Shanghai gold main contract is 133,792 lots, up 2,823 lots; the net position of the top 20 in the Shanghai silver main contract is 147,543 lots, up 16,243 lots [2]. - The warehouse receipt quantity of gold is 28,857 kilograms, up 4,272 kilograms; the warehouse receipt quantity of silver is 1,223,982 kilograms, down 79,611 kilograms [2]. 3.2现货市场 - The spot price of gold on the Shanghai Non - ferrous Metals Network is 774.2 yuan/gram, up 3.5 yuan; the spot price of silver on the Shanghai Non - ferrous Metals Network is 9168 yuan/kilogram, up 182 yuan [2]. - The basis of the Shanghai gold main contract is - 7.2 yuan/gram, down 4.34 yuan; the basis of the Shanghai silver main contract is - 39 yuan/kilogram, up 15 yuan [2]. 3.3 Supply and Demand Situation - The gold ETF position is 947.64 tons, down 1.16 tons; the silver ETF position is 14,758.52 tons, down 131.41 tons [2]. - The non - commercial net position of gold in CFTC is 202,968 contracts, up 988 contracts; the non - commercial net position of silver in CTFC is 58,521 contracts, down 4,879 contracts [2]. - The total supply of gold in the quarter is 1,313.01 tons, up 54.84 tons; the total supply of silver in the year is 987.8 million troy ounces, down 21.4 million troy ounces [2]. - The total demand for gold in the quarter is 1,313.01 tons, up 54.83 tons; the global total demand for silver in the year is 1,195 million ounces, down 47.4 million ounces [2]. 3.4 Option Market - The 20 - day historical volatility of gold is 11.62%, up 0.73%; the 40 - day historical volatility of gold is 13.69%, down 0.36% [2]. - The implied volatility of at - the - money call options for gold is 19.53%, down 0.02%; the implied volatility of at - the - money put options for gold is 19.53%, down 0.03% [2]. 3.5 Industry News - Trump has imposed tariffs on 25 trading partners in four batches from July 7 to July 12, with tax rates ranging from 20% to 50% [2]. - The 35% tariff on Canada does not apply to goods meeting the US - Mexico - Canada Agreement, and Canada will not double its retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminum as originally planned [2]. - Trump has criticized Fed Chairman Powell multiple times this year for not announcing rate cuts, and the probability of the Fed maintaining interest rates in July is 93.3% [2].

Core Viewpoint - The European chemical industry is facing significant challenges due to rising energy costs and taxes, leading to major companies taking actions to minimize losses as they approach 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Company Forecasts - Covestro has lowered its EBITDA forecast for 2025 to between €700 million and €1.1 billion, down from a previous estimate of €1 billion to €1.4 billion, reflecting ongoing global economic weakness [2][3]. - BASF has revised its EBITDA forecast for 2025 to between €7.3 billion and €7.7 billion, down from an earlier projection of €8 billion to €8.4 billion, citing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties [4][7]. Group 2: Market Conditions - The anticipated growth in chemical market demand for 2025 is expected to be below previous expectations, compounded by an oversupply of products in the market, which continues to pressure profit margins [4][9]. - A significant factor affecting the market is the announcement of a 30% tariff on EU imports to the U.S. starting August 1, 2025, which is expected to create substantial market uncertainty [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - BASF's projected sales for Q2 2025 are expected to decline by 2.1% to €15.77 billion, compared to €16.11 billion in Q2 2024 [8]. - The company's EBITDA for Q2 2025 is forecasted to be €1.77 billion, down from €1.96 billion in the same period last year [9]. - BASF's net profit is expected to reach €80 million, a significant drop of 81.4% compared to €430 million in Q2 2024 [11]. Group 4: Strategic Moves - BASF has been divesting various business units, including its Brazilian decorative coatings business and wind farm stakes, as part of its strategy to streamline operations [12]. - The company is increasing its investment in the Chinese market, indicating a strategic pivot towards regions with growth potential [13][14].

Group 1: US Dollar - The Federal Reserve's research report warns of uncertain economic outlook potentially leading to zero interest rate risks [1] - Fed Chair candidate Walsh suggests interest rates should be lowered further [1] Group 2: Major Non-USD Currencies - ECB council member Centeno states that the timing and extent of further rate cuts are difficult to determine [2] - Fitch predicts Japan's debt trajectory will rise again by the end of this century [2] - ECB indicates that risks to financial stability in the Eurozone have increased due to rising global geopolitical uncertainties [2] - Japanese Prime Minister expresses regret over US tariff information and emphasizes ongoing negotiations [2] - South Korean Trade Minister states that a three-week extension of tariff suspension is insufficient and negotiations must accelerate [2] - Japan's Economic Revitalization Minister Akizawa announces agreement with US Commerce Secretary to actively participate in trade talks, prioritizing national interests [2] - The Reserve Bank of Australia unexpectedly keeps the benchmark interest rate at 3.85%, indicating a wait for more information to confirm sustainable inflation at 2.5% [2] - RBA Governor Bullock mentions a cautious and gradual easing stance is appropriate, with confidence in future rate cuts [2] - Australian Treasurer notes that the RBA's decision to maintain rates was not expected by millions of Australians or the market, clarifying future inflation and rate trajectories [2] Group 3: Other Developments - Emerging market ETFs see inflows for the sixth consecutive week, with China receiving the largest inflow [3] - The World Bank reports that Syria is facing a severe liquidity crisis due to cash shortages and broader disruptions in currency circulation [3] - Moody's maintains Israel's Baa1 rating while warning that conflict with Iran will increase fiscal pressure [3]

Market Insights - China's foreign exchange reserves increased by $32.2 billion in June, reaching $3,317.4 billion, a rise of 0.98% compared to the end of May [1] - The U.S. Treasury Secretary indicated that many trade partners have changed their negotiation stance, with multiple trade agreements expected to be announced this week [1] - President Trump announced tariff threats against 14 countries, with rates ranging from 25% for Japan and South Korea to 40% for Laos and Myanmar, effective August 1 [1] - The European Union is seeking a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. to secure a 10% tariff rate before the August 1 deadline [1] - The European Central Bank's governing council urged macroprudential regulators to maintain the resilience of the banking system, citing increased financial stability risks in the Eurozone due to heightened geopolitical uncertainties [1] Economic Indicators - Moody's maintained Israel's long-term local and foreign currency rating at Baa1, noting that direct military conflict with Iran would further strain public finances [2] - The Eurozone investor confidence index reached 4.5 in July, the highest since February 2022, while retail sales in May grew by 1.8% year-on-year, exceeding expectations [2] - Germany's industrial output adjusted for May showed a year-on-year increase of 1.0% and a month-on-month increase of 1.2% [3] - The UK Halifax house price index remained flat month-on-month but increased by 2.5% year-on-year [4] Global Market Dynamics - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.94% to 44,406.36 points, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.79% to 6,229.98 points, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 0.92% to 20,412.52 points [5] - COMEX gold futures rose by 0.10% to $3,346.40 per ounce, while COMEX silver futures fell by 0.39% to $36.94 per ounce [6] - U.S. oil futures increased by 1.37% to $67.92 per barrel, and Brent crude rose by 1.84% to $69.56 per barrel [7] - U.S. Treasury yields saw increases across various maturities, with the 2-year yield up by 1.04 basis points to 3.890% and the 30-year yield up by 5.59 basis points to 4.914% [7] - The U.S. dollar index rose by 0.58% to 97.55, with various currency pairs showing mixed results against the dollar [7]

Group 1 - The article discusses how geopolitical uncertainty and tariff policies have led to increased defensive investments by governments and companies, unexpectedly supporting the stock market [2][3] - The European Union has allowed member states to increase defense spending, with Germany planning to raise military expenditure to over 1% of GDP and invest an additional €500 billion (approximately $588 billion) in infrastructure [2] - The Stoxx Aerospace and Defense Index surged 54% in the first half of the year, marking a historic performance with a 74% increase in USD terms [2] Group 2 - There are three potential scenarios regarding the impact of geopolitical and tariff uncertainties on the economy: 1. The market may have already priced in the uncertainties, with a belief that Trump will not reimpose severe tariffs [3] 2. The uncertainties may primarily affect the value of the dollar, as foreign investors show decreased interest in U.S. assets, leading to the worst dollar performance since the Nixon administration [5] 3. The uncertainties could eventually harm the economy as CEOs delay critical decisions, which may suppress corporate investment [6][8] Group 3 - The article highlights a divide between bullish and bearish perspectives, with bulls focusing on current economic conditions and strong corporate investments, while bears emphasize the potential negative impacts of uncertainty on consumer and business sentiment [8] - Concerns are raised about inflationary pressures and growth slowdowns due to tariffs, with some analysts suggesting that now may be an appropriate time to cash out given the high valuations in the stock market [8]