Core Viewpoint - The US dollar is showing a strong upward trend against major currencies, supported by robust US economic data and increasing uncertainty in other major economies, which enhances the dollar's relative attractiveness [1][3]. Economic Data Impact - The US dollar index is currently stable at 98.456, having risen 0.91% last week and an additional 0.64% this week, reaching a high of 98.951, the highest level since June 23 [3]. - Recent US economic data, including a rebound in June retail sales exceeding market expectations and a drop in initial jobless claims to a three-month low, indicates a resilient consumer spending and a tight labor market, providing the Federal Reserve with more room to observe before making rate cuts [3]. - Market expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts have adjusted, with traders now anticipating a reduction of about 45 basis points for the remainder of the year, down from nearly 50 basis points earlier in the week [3]. Global Economic Uncertainty - Uncertainty in other major economies, particularly Japan, is contributing to the strength of the dollar. Upcoming elections in Japan pose risks to the ruling coalition, potentially complicating economic stimulus plans and trade negotiations with the US [4]. - The Japanese yen has depreciated by 0.8% against the dollar this week, reflecting market concerns over Japan's policy continuity [4]. Political Influences - Political developments in the US, including President Trump's proposed spending and tax cuts, have raised concerns about the US fiscal situation, which could negatively impact the dollar's credit foundation in the long term [4]. - Trump's criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Powell for not cutting rates immediately has increased volatility in the dollar's performance, highlighting the influence of political factors on monetary policy and investor confidence [4]. Market Reactions - The attractiveness of US dollar assets is showing signs of divergence. Despite a slight increase in US Treasury yields, foreign investors have continued to buy US debt, with net purchases reaching $32 billion this week, indicating recognition of the dollar as a safe asset [6]. - Conversely, the US stock market has seen some profit-taking, with a net outflow of $12 billion from the S&P 500 this week, reflecting a reassessment of the balance between stock valuations and the strength of the dollar [6].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the recovery of overseas demand for U.S. Treasury bonds in May, with a notable increase of $32.4 billion, bringing the total holdings by major foreign investors to $9.0458 trillion [1] - Japan, the UK, and mainland China remain the top three holders of U.S. debt, with Japan and the UK slightly increasing their holdings, while China reduced its holdings for the fourth consecutive month, selling $900 million in May [1][2] - Canada significantly increased its U.S. Treasury holdings by $61.7 billion in May, reaching a historical high of $430.1 billion, moving up to the fifth position among major foreign investors [1] Group 2 - The article discusses the impact of U.S. fiscal policies on the demand for U.S. Treasury bonds, noting that despite concerns over the U.S. deficit, the fundamental demand for these bonds remains strong due to their market depth and liquidity [2] - The U.S. Congress passed a large tax and spending bill in May, which is projected to increase the deficit by $2.8 trillion over the next ten years, raising concerns about the long-term fiscal health of the U.S. [3] - Moody's downgraded the U.S. long-term issuer rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing the ongoing large fiscal deficits and their implications for government debt and interest expenses [3] Group 3 - In May, U.S. Treasury investors faced multiple challenges, including uncertainty over tariffs, rising government debt, and a downgrade in sovereign ratings, leading to a decline of over 1.2% in Treasury indices [3] - The Federal Reserve maintained its interest rate target range at 4.25% to 4.50%, indicating increased uncertainty in the economic outlook, despite stable unemployment rates [4] - Fed Chairman Powell noted that the impact of tariffs has not yet fully manifested in economic data, and the evolving policies of the Trump administration contribute to economic uncertainty [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - Citigroup has raised its three-month gold price target to $3,500 per ounce due to ongoing uncertainties such as Trump's trade war, geopolitical risks, and the state of U.S. finances, which have reignited demand for safe-haven assets [1] Group 1 - The adjustment in gold price target reflects the impact of geopolitical tensions and trade policies on market sentiment [1] - The demand for safe-haven assets is expected to increase as uncertainties persist in the global economic landscape [1] - Citigroup's revised target indicates a significant bullish outlook on gold prices in the near term [1]

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have shown strong performance, currently trading above $3,300, with a weekly increase of 3%, potentially marking the best weekly performance since early April [1] Short-term Situation - In the short term, gold prices are expected to fluctuate between $3,260.00 and $3,380.00, with key support levels at the ascending trend line of $3,260.00 and the Bollinger middle band at $3,301.24 [3] - If prices can maintain above these support levels, there is potential to test resistance at $3,380.00 and possibly reach the previous high of $3,420.00 [3] Medium to Long-term Situation - Fundamentally, gold is supported by favorable investment conditions, with expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, geopolitical uncertainties, and concerns over the U.S. fiscal situation likely to drive prices higher in the coming months [4] - Technically, as long as prices remain above the long-term average of $3,120.64, the upward trend is expected to continue [4]

Group 1 - The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive tax and spending bill, referred to as Trump's "beautiful bill," by a narrow margin of 215-214 votes, with all Democratic members and two Republican members voting against it [1][2] - The bill is expected to increase the federal debt by approximately $3.8 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), bringing the total federal debt to $36.2 trillion [2][3] - The legislation aims to fulfill several populist campaign promises from Trump, including new tax cuts for tips and auto loans, increased military and border enforcement spending, and funding to combat illegal immigration [2][3] Group 2 - The bill will extend the corporate and individual tax cuts enacted during Trump's first term and repeal several green energy incentives introduced by former President Biden [2][3] - The bill is projected to disproportionately benefit the wealthiest households, with the CBO indicating that it will reduce income for the poorest 10% of families while increasing income for the top 10% [3][4] - Republican supporters argue that failing to pass the bill would lead to increased tax burdens for many American families and plan to use it to raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion [3]

Core Insights - The U.S. fiscal situation is under scrutiny, particularly following recent credit rating downgrades by Fitch and Moody's, which may lead to increased investor concern about rising deficits and foreign demand for U.S. Treasury bonds [1][1][1] Group 1 - In 2023, Fitch downgraded the U.S. credit rating to below the highest level, but this did not result in a lasting market reaction [1] - Analyst Gennadiy Goldberg from TD Securities suggests that the "Inflation Reduction Act" will continue to drive up the deficit, raising investor anxiety regarding the increasing deficit and potential lack of foreign demand for U.S. debt [1][1]