Report Industry Investment Rating - All varieties are rated as "oscillating" [1][2][4][5][6] Core Viewpoints - The oil price is oscillating due to factors such as inventory changes, OPEC+ production decisions, and market expectations [1] - The prices of fuel oil, asphalt, polyester, rubber, methanol, polyolefin, and PVC are also expected to oscillate, with their trends depending on various factors including cost, supply, demand, and market sentiment [2][4][5][6] Summary by Directory Research Views - **Crude Oil**: On Thursday, oil prices fell. The EIA inventory report showed an increase in US commercial crude and SPR inventories, a decrease in gasoline inventory, and an increase in distillate inventory. US domestic crude production and refinery processing volume decreased. OPEC+ meeting agenda is yet to be set, and some members may increase production. The oil price is expected to oscillate [1] - **Fuel Oil**: On Thursday, the fuel oil futures prices fell. The Chinese refinery operating rate increased. The inflow of low-sulfur fuel oil from the West is expected to decrease, and the high-sulfur shipments from Iran and Russia may also decline. However, the overall demand for high and low sulfur fuel oil remains weak. The prices of FU and LU have some upward momentum but depend on the oil price [2] - **Asphalt**: On Thursday, the asphalt futures price fell. The domestic asphalt shipments increased, and the capacity utilization rate of modified asphalt decreased. In September, the demand in the north may increase, but the supply in North and Northeast China may limit the price increase. The overall supply pressure is limited, and the price may rise further [2] - **Polyester**: On Thursday, the TA futures price fell, and the EG futures price rose. PX supply is high, and downstream TA maintenance volume increases. The terminal demand is weak, and the demand in the peak season is under test. The EG spot liquidity is tight, but the inventory may increase in the future [4] - **Rubber**: On Thursday, the RU and NR futures prices rose, and the BR futures price fell. The weather in the producing areas may be affected by La Nina. The raw material prices fluctuate slightly, and the demand is stable domestically and weak externally. The heavy truck sales are good, and the inventory is slightly reduced. The rubber price is expected to oscillate [4][5] - **Methanol**: On Thursday, the methanol spot price is stable. The MTO device may resume production due to improved profits, and the demand in September is expected to pick up. The supply increment is limited, and the price is expected to enter a bottom area [5] - **Polyolefin**: On Thursday, the polyolefin prices are stable. In September, the supply and demand are both strong, and the inventory is gradually transferred to the downstream. The price is expected to fluctuate slightly [5] - **PVC**: On Thursday, the PVC market prices are adjusted. The real estate construction is weak, and the demand for PVC downstream products is limited. The export is expected to decline due to the anti-dumping tax. The PVC price in September is expected to oscillate weakly [6] Daily Data Monitoring - The report provides the spot price, futures price, basis, basis rate, and their changes of various energy and chemical products on September 4th and 5th, 2025 [7] Market News - The EIA inventory report shows the changes in US crude oil, gasoline, and distillate inventories, as well as domestic production and refinery processing volume [9] - OPEC's oil production in August may increase, mainly due to the output growth of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. OPEC+ is accelerating the relaxation of production cuts, while some members are required to make additional cuts [9] Chart Analysis - **4.1 Main Contract Price**: The report presents the closing price trends of main contracts of various energy and chemical products from 2021 to 2025 [11][13][15][17][19][21] - **4.2 Main Contract Basis**: The report shows the basis trends of main contracts of various energy and chemical products from 2021 to 2025 [23][25][29][31][33][35] - **4.3 Inter - period Contract Spread**: The report provides the spread trends of different contracts of various energy and chemical products, such as fuel oil, asphalt, etc. [37][39][42][45][48][49][52] - **4.4 Inter - variety Spread**: The report shows the spread and ratio trends between different varieties, such as crude oil, fuel oil, etc. [54][59] - **4.5 Production Profit**: The report presents the cash flow and production profit trends of some energy and chemical products, such as ethylene - based ethylene glycol, PP, etc. [62][64] Team Member Introduction - The report introduces the members of the energy and chemical research team, including their positions, educational backgrounds, honors, research areas, and professional qualifications [67][68][69][70]

Summary of GCC Economic Outlook and Key Insights Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, particularly in the context of oil production, economic growth, and the impact of geopolitical tensions and US tariffs on the region's economic outlook [2][3][4]. Core Insights 1. **Economic Growth Trends**: - GCC economic growth accelerated to 2.2% in 2024 from 1.4% in 2023, with oil GDP contracting by 2.7% after a 5.8% contraction in 2023. Non-hydrocarbon activity grew by 4.6% due to strong domestic demand and reform efforts [13][46]. - The forecast for 2025 anticipates growth accelerating to 4.3%, driven by a projected 5.1% increase in hydrocarbon GDP and a 4.2% rise in non-hydrocarbon GDP [50]. 2. **Oil Production and Prices**: - OPEC+ plans to increase production by 548,000 barrels per day in August 2025, which is expected to significantly boost oil GDP growth [38][40]. - Oil prices are projected to average $65 per barrel in the short term, with expectations of fluctuations impacting government revenues and economic stability [27][31]. 3. **Impact of US Tariffs**: - The US has a trade surplus with GCC states, and recent tariff policies have not imposed punitive tariffs on these countries. However, indirect effects on global economic activity and oil markets are being closely monitored [57][61]. - The GCC's export exposure to China is significant, with Oman having exports to China constituting over 28% of its GDP, indicating vulnerability to global trade tensions [82]. 4. **Monetary Policy Outlook**: - GCC monetary policy is closely tied to US Federal Reserve actions due to the region's exchange rate regime. A weakening labor market in the US may lead to rate cuts, which could influence non-oil activity in the GCC [97][100]. - The report suggests that domestic liquidity conditions, influenced by oil prices, will significantly affect the transmission of US monetary policy to the GCC [103]. 5. **Budget and Current Account Balances**: - The aggregate budget deficit for the GCC is expected to widen to 3.8% of GDP in 2025 from 2.4% in 2024, while the current account surplus is projected to decrease to 4.5% of GDP from 5.5% [48][50]. Additional Important Insights - **Geopolitical Tensions**: The economic fallout from geopolitical tensions is a key concern, with potential impacts on trade and investment flows in the region [2][15]. - **Inflation Trends**: Headline inflation has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but core inflation remains elevated, influenced by services inflation [17][22]. - **Sectoral Performance**: Non-oil sectors are expected to continue performing well, supported by domestic demand and ongoing reforms, despite challenges from global economic conditions [44][50]. This comprehensive analysis highlights the GCC's economic resilience amid fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties, while also emphasizing the importance of monitoring external economic influences, particularly from the US and China.

Group 1 - OPEC+ representatives stated that the main outcome of the meeting was an increase in daily production by 411,000 barrels [1]