Core Viewpoint - Mortgage rates function independently from the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rate, indicating a disconnect between the two financial metrics [1] Group 1 - Mortgage rates are influenced by various factors beyond the Fed's interest rate, suggesting that changes in the benchmark may not directly affect mortgage costs [1]

Group 1 - The total amount of gold futures in Shanghai Futures Exchange is 33,462 kilograms, with an increase of 2,199 kilograms compared to the previous day [1][2] - The main gold futures contract opened at 772.70 CNY per gram, with a highest price of 775.8 CNY and a lowest price of 770.84 CNY, currently at 773.78 CNY, reflecting a rise of 0.42% [1] - Trading volume reached 206,379 contracts, with open interest increasing by 1,698 contracts to a total of 214,105 contracts [1] Group 2 - The market widely expects the Federal Reserve to maintain the benchmark interest rate between 4.25% and 4.50% in July, with a 97% probability of no change according to CME FedWatch tool [2] - Concerns have arisen regarding the traditional independence of the Federal Reserve due to pressure from former President Trump on Chairman Jerome Powell, although Trump seems to have abandoned the idea of attempting to remove Powell for now [2] - Ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China regarding tariff ceasefire are set to continue, with a deadline in two weeks, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessenet downplayed expectations of Trump rejecting any extension [2]

Group 1 - The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Yellen, questions the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, suggesting that the current two-year Treasury yield indicates that the Fed's benchmark rate is "too high" [2] - The current target range for the Federal Funds rate is between 4.25% and 4.5%, while the two-year Treasury yield is approximately 3.76% [2] - Yellen hints at the possibility of filling two vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board next year, despite Jerome Powell's term as a governor lasting until 2028 [2] Group 2 - The Treasury has been using special accounting measures to pay federal obligations within the statutory limit since January, and once the tax and spending bill is signed into law, it is expected that the Treasury will increase the issuance of U.S. debt to replenish its cash reserves [3] - Yellen indicates that the debt management process is systematic but will consider unexpected circumstances, particularly in light of the two-year Treasury yield suggesting high overnight rates [3] - The next quarterly refinancing operation is scheduled for July 30, which typically announces adjustments to the issuance strategy [3]