Market Overview - In May, lead prices initially rose but later faced downward pressure due to increased lead ingot inventories during the "May Day" holiday, followed by a rebound due to improved US-China trade policies [1] - The lead market is currently experiencing a weak oscillation trend as the domestic lead-acid battery market enters a consumption off-season, despite some macroeconomic positive sentiments being released [1] Supply Dynamics - Environmental inspections have delayed the resumption of some recycled lead smelting plants, leading to a strengthening of lead prices in early June [1] - In the first quarter, overseas lead concentrate production decreased by over 20,000 metal tons due to adverse weather and declining ore grades, but supply is expected to recover as weather improves and new mines come online [2] Domestic Mining and Smelting - Domestic mining profits remain reasonable, with northern mines resuming seasonal production, resulting in the highest operating rates in nearly three years [3] - The focus of smelting plants has shifted towards by-product profits, which may limit the increase in primary lead production despite stable lead concentrate supply [3] Recycled Lead Production - In the second quarter, demand for waste batteries is typically low, leading to a significant reduction in the supply of waste batteries and a corresponding decrease in recycled lead production [4] - Some recycled lead smelting plants are planning to resume production in early June, but the overall increase in recycled lead output is expected to be limited due to tight raw material supplies [4] Downstream Demand - The second quarter marks the beginning of the replacement off-season for lead-acid batteries, with inventory levels reaching the highest since 2017, up 27.63% compared to the five-year average [5] - Despite high growth rates in terminal sales data, domestic lead-acid battery market demand is unlikely to show significant improvement due to shorter stocking cycles and increased penetration of lithium batteries [5][6] Price Outlook - Overall, while recycled lead supply is slightly recovering and primary lead production remains stable, weak downstream demand is expected to limit upward price movements, leading to a potential shift towards a weak oscillation trend in lead prices [6]

Group 1 - The core argument is that Trump's trade war with China is ultimately self-defeating, as it undermines U.S. credibility and worsens domestic economic issues [1][3][28] - Trump's 90-day extension for negotiations is perceived as a way to allow U.S. companies to stockpile Chinese goods, rather than a genuine effort to resolve trade disputes [3][5] - The warning to 18 countries about potential tariffs reflects a hardline stance, but many nations are skeptical and may delay negotiations, expecting Trump to backtrack [5][7] Group 2 - The recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating by Moody's indicates a significant loss of trust in the U.S. government's ability to manage its debt, which stands at $36 trillion [7][9] - The U.S. faces a fiscal crisis, with interest payments on debt consuming 30% of federal revenue, and projections suggest debt could reach 134% of GDP by 2035 [9][11] - The tax system in the U.S. disproportionately benefits the wealthy, allowing them to avoid significant taxation through various loopholes, exacerbating income inequality [11][13] Group 3 - The outsourcing of manufacturing jobs to countries like China has contributed to the decline of the U.S. industrial base, leading to economic hardship in regions once reliant on these industries [17][19] - The political landscape in the U.S. is heavily influenced by wealthy donors, which raises concerns about the integrity of policy-making and the prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare [22][24] - The ongoing issues in the U.S. economy, such as high debt levels and tax avoidance by the wealthy, are not caused by external factors like China, but rather by internal systemic problems [26][28]

Group 1 - The core point of the news is the recent trade negotiations between China and the U.S., where both sides have reached a temporary agreement to reduce tariffs on each other's goods, with China lowering tariffs from 125% to 10% and the U.S. reducing tariffs to 30% [1][2] - The Chinese government has implemented countermeasures against the U.S. tariffs, which include both tariff and non-tariff measures, to protect its legitimate rights and interests [1][2] - The U.S. Treasury Secretary has warned other countries to engage in negotiations with China, indicating that failure to do so may result in the reinstatement of higher tariffs after the 90-day pause [4] Group 2 - Analysts predict a surge in imports from China within the next 90 days, with the term "rush" being highlighted as a key trend [2] - The U.S. credit rating has been downgraded by Moody's from Aaa to Aa1, reflecting concerns over the country's rising debt and fiscal management issues [6][8] - To regain its Aaa rating, the U.S. must establish a workable long-term budget plan, balancing welfare and defense spending, which appears challenging under the current administration's policies [8]

Core Viewpoint - The postponement of high tariffs on the EU by President Trump has eased market concerns over global trade conflicts, reducing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. However, multiple macroeconomic risks continue to limit the downside potential for gold prices [1]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - COMEX gold is currently trading at $3338.20 per ounce, down 0.58%, with a daily high of $3356.00 and a low of $3329.30 [2]. - The opening price today was $3355.60, indicating a downward trend in the short term [1][2]. Group 2: Influencing Factors - The downgrade of the U.S. credit rating by Moody's from "AAA" to "AA1" has increased the attractiveness of gold as a safe-haven asset, putting pressure on the dollar [1]. - Concerns over global inflation and the U.S. fiscal outlook are expected to support gold prices despite short-term declines [1]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Analysts predict that gold prices will continue to rise by June 2025 due to factors such as the U.S. rating downgrade, ongoing gold purchases by Asian countries, and trade tensions [1]. - Key risk factors to monitor include the upcoming FOMC meeting minutes, trade negotiations between the U.S. and other major economies, and changes in market expectations regarding the dollar [1].

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent performance of gold, highlighting a 3% increase for the week, marking its best weekly performance since early April [1] - Factors contributing to gold's rise include a downgrade of the US credit rating by Moody's and weak demand for US assets, which has pressured the dollar [1][2] - Geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and increased military actions in Gaza, are also supporting gold as a safe-haven asset [2] Group 2 - Technical analysis indicates that gold experienced a pullback after reaching a high of 3345, with support seen around 3280 [3][5] - The overall trend remains bullish, with expectations for further upward movement towards resistance levels of 3345-3350 [3][5] - Trading strategies suggest a focus on short positions around 3340-3245 and long positions near 3280-3285, with specific stop-loss and target levels outlined [6]

Core Viewpoint - Despite Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating triggering market sell-offs, US stocks and bonds rebounded strongly, primarily driven by record buying from retail investors [1][3]. Group 1: Retail Investor Activity - Retail investors net bought $4.1 billion by 12:30 PM ET, marking the largest net buying in history for that time period, exceeding 11 standard deviations [3]. - Retail trading volume accounted for approximately 36% of total trading volume, also a historical high, with total net buying reaching an astonishing $5.4 billion by market close [3]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Historical Context - Analysts noted that Moody's downgrade was seen as "academic," with the interest rate market already factoring in the unsustainable nature of the US fiscal deficit [3]. - Historical data suggests that after previous downgrades of US government debt, the stock market underperformed compared to bonds in the following months [6]. - In 2011, during the debt ceiling negotiations, the stock market began to decline and underperformed against bonds after the S&P downgrade [6]. Group 3: Economic Implications and Market Sentiment - There is a paradox where significant spending cuts, even if wasteful, could lead to an economic recession, as highlighted by JPMorgan's analysis [9]. - The market's resilience is likened to an acquired immunity, suggesting that past extreme conditions have altered investor perceptions of risk [9]. - JPMorgan's trading desk maintained a bullish outlook, indicating that any weakness in economic indicators should be viewed as a buying opportunity [10].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley suggests that investors should buy U.S. stocks following the market decline triggered by the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating last Friday [1] Group 1 - The downgrade of the U.S. credit rating has led to a significant drop in the stock market, creating a potential buying opportunity for investors [1] - Morgan Stanley believes that the long-term fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong despite the recent downgrade [1] - The firm emphasizes that market corrections can often present attractive entry points for investors looking to capitalize on future growth [1]