Core Viewpoint - The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing for Stephen Milan, nominated by Trump for the Federal Reserve Board, emphasizing the importance of preventing economic recession and hyperinflation as the central bank's primary tasks [1] Group 1: Monetary Policy and Independence - Milan asserts that the independence of monetary policy is crucial for its success [1] - He plans to fulfill his duties based on macroeconomic analysis and long-term beneficial judgments if confirmed [1] - Milan intends to maintain the independence of the Federal Open Market Committee, which is tasked with significant responsibilities [1] Group 2: Regulatory Concerns - Milan raises questions regarding the Federal Reserve's activities beyond its dual mandate, particularly concerning its balance sheet [1] - He highlights the Fed's role in regulating major financial institutions and setting different capital prices for borrowers and lenders, including other central banks [1] - The final composition of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet remains an unresolved issue [1]

Group 1 - The core responsibility of the Federal Reserve is to prevent economic recessions and inflation [1] - The independence of monetary policy is emphasized as a crucial element [1] - There are plans to maintain the independence of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) [1]

Core Viewpoint - The global era of high tariffs has begun, with the U.S. implementing differentiated tariffs on 68 countries and 27 EU member states, raising the actual tariff rate to 17%, nearing levels seen during the Great Depression in 1933 [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The tariff increase may lead to inflation in the U.S., as domestic prices are expected to rise, which could hinder economic recovery if the Federal Reserve does not lower interest rates [5][7]. - Historical parallels are drawn to the Great Depression, where high tariffs contributed to global economic collapse, raising concerns about repeating past mistakes [3][7]. Group 2: Domestic Consequences - The U.S. labor market is already showing signs of distress, with rising unemployment rates, prompting criticism of the current administration's handling of economic data [5]. - The potential for a self-inflicted economic downturn exists, as the tariff policy may harm the U.S. economy while attempting to target other nations [7].

Group 1 - The possibility of a zero interest rate era is discussed, with examples from Japan, the US, and Europe, raising the question of whether China could also experience this situation as its one-year interest rate is already below 1% [2] - China's economic downward pressure has been evident since 2012, with GDP growth rates declining from double digits, indicating a shift in economic dynamics, primarily due to insufficient domestic demand [2] - The reliance on external demand to supplement internal demand is diminishing, especially with the impact of trade wars, suggesting that the zero interest rate era may not be far off for China [2] Group 2 - In a potential zero interest rate era, individuals are advised to avoid risky investments, as overall asset values are expected to shrink, making a conservative investment approach more favorable [4] - The zero interest rate environment is often associated with economic depression, as seen during the Great Depression in the US, where unemployment surged, posing significant challenges for the middle class [4] - The focus should be on job security rather than maintaining dignity, as employment becomes the priority in a challenging economic landscape [4] Group 3 - The greatest pressure is on debt, with the need for balance sheet cleaning being more critical than merely lowering deposit rates, as seen in historical cases during financial crises [6] - The average wage level in society may decline significantly during a depression, leading to a situation where cash becomes more valuable compared to assets [8] - In a deflationary context, even with zero interest rates on deposits, holding cash may be a safer option as purchasing power could increase [8]

Group 1 - The macroeconomic outlook is heavily influenced by political factors, with uncertainty prevailing in the current political climate in the U.S. [7][10] - The expectation of a recession is widespread, leading to a cautious approach among investors, who are looking for opportunities to buy at lower prices [16][17] - The current investment environment is perceived as deteriorating, with a lack of clear, actionable investment opportunities [17][18] Group 2 - The copper market is experiencing a stable demand despite the ongoing tariff discussions, with expectations that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on copper [21][22] - The U.S. is working to restore supply chains, which is seen as a positive development for the copper market [22] - The overall inventory levels for copper are low in SHFE and LME, while Comex inventories are high, indicating a complex market dynamic [24][26] Group 3 - The bond market is expected to experience fluctuations due to new debt issuance and ongoing economic uncertainties, with long-term U.S. Treasury bonds losing their traditional role as a safe haven [38][39] - The narrative around tariffs is evolving, with market participants beginning to price in the impacts of tariffs on equities [41][48] - The overall asset returns across various categories have been strong since 2023, influenced by fiscal easing and global central bank rate cuts [46][50]