Group 1 - The recent HSBC survey indicates that 74% of Hong Kong enterprises remain confident in expanding international trade over the next two years, with a focus on deepening trade relations with mainland China, South Asia, and Europe [4] - 90% of mainland enterprises express confidence in continuing international trade expansion, with 84% believing that trade uncertainties are prompting them to transform and seek new opportunities [4] - 54% of Asian enterprises plan to increase economic and trade interactions with mainland China, while 38% expect to deepen trade relations with South Asia and 36% with Europe [4][5] Group 2 - The Morning Consult data shows that as of the end of May, China's net approval rating stands at 8.8, while the U.S. is at -1.5, indicating a significant shift in global perceptions [2][7] - The CEO confidence index in the U.S. dropped from 60 to 34, marking the lowest level since Q4 2022 and the largest decline since the survey began in 1976, suggesting a pessimistic outlook on the economic future [2][10] - 34% of Asian enterprises have adjusted prices to cope with rising costs, and 37% have increased inventory levels to address supply chain disruptions [5]

Group 1 - The silver price is currently trading below $34.12, with a recent opening at $34.73 per ounce and a current price of $34.20, reflecting a decline of 1.58% [1] - The highest price reached was $34.75 per ounce, while the lowest was $34.11 per ounce, indicating a bearish short-term trend in the silver market [1] - The silver price surged over 5% on Monday due to risk-averse investors, with the market sentiment improving and pushing the price close to the year-to-date high of $34.65 [4] Group 2 - The CEO Confidence Index in the U.S. dropped from 60 points to 34 points, marking the lowest level since Q4 2022 and the largest quarter-on-quarter decline since the survey began in 1976 [3] - The increase in import tariffs on aluminum and steel by the U.S. government has led to a significant rise in aluminum and steel futures prices, with aluminum futures soaring 54% to the highest level since 2013 [3] - The cost of aluminum for U.S. buyers is expected to be approximately 50% higher than that of international competitors due to the elevated prices, which could impact various industries relying on aluminum [3]

Group 1 - The trade conflict has led to a pervasive pessimism among American businesses regarding the economic outlook, creating significant uncertainty for the U.S. economy [1] - The CEO Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2025 has dropped from 60 points to 34 points, marking the lowest level since Q4 2022 and the largest month-over-month decline since the survey began in 1976 [1] - The U.S. manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for May is reported at 48.5%, slightly down from April's 48.7% [1] Group 2 - The unpredictable tariff policies of the U.S. have impacted the overall European economy, particularly affecting German manufacturing, despite the limited direct steel business of the German company in the U.S. market [2] - The European Commission is urged to expedite the previously decided trade countermeasures in response to the U.S. tariffs [2]

Core Insights - The CEO confidence index in the U.S. has experienced its largest decline in nearly 50 years, dropping from 60 points to 34 points, marking the lowest level since Q4 2022 [1] Economic Impact - The decline in CEO confidence is attributed to the U.S. government's aggressive tariff policies, which have led to widespread skepticism about the economic outlook among business leaders [1] - A reading below 50 on the CEO confidence index indicates a pessimistic view of the economic future, reflecting significant uncertainty in the U.S. economy [1]