1. Report Industry Investment Ratings - No specific industry investment ratings are provided in the report. 2. Core Views of the Report - **Financial Futures**: The domestic economy is under downward pressure and has entered a policy observation period. Overseas, it's an inflation observation period, and the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations are volatile. The RMB exchange rate is expected to be supported in the 7.15 - 7.23 range. The stock market is expected to be volatile, and it's recommended to wait and see. The bond market is suitable for band - trading. The EC in the shipping market is expected to be volatile and decline [1][2][3][4][6]. - **Commodities**: Precious metals are expected to stop falling and rise, and it's recommended to buy on dips. Copper is recommended to hold cash and wait. Aluminum is expected to be under pressure and fluctuate, alumina is expected to be weak, and cast aluminum alloy is expected to fluctuate. Nickel and stainless steel are expected to be volatile in the short term. Tin is expected to decline slightly, and it's recommended to hedge inventory. Lithium carbonate is expected to be in a wide - range shock. Industrial silicon and polysilicon are expected to enter a shock range. Rebar and hot - rolled coils have limited upward and downward space. Iron ore is expected to be strong. Coking coal and coke have short - term callback pressure but are not pessimistic in the long term. Ferrosilicon and ferromanganese are recommended not to be overly pessimistic [11][12][14][15][16][18][19][22][24][26][28]. - **Energy and Chemicals**: Crude oil is under supply - surplus risk and has limited upward space. LPG supply and demand remain loose. It's recommended to expand the TA processing fee at low levels. MEG and bottle chips are expected to fluctuate in a range. Methanol's short - term fundamentals are weak. PP is expected to return to a weak and volatile pattern. PE is expected to be volatile in the short term and wait for demand recovery. Pure benzene and styrene are recommended to narrow the price difference. Fuel oil is weak, and low - sulfur fuel oil is affected by crude oil and falls. Urea's 09 contract is expected to be volatile and weak. Soda ash has a pattern of strong supply and weak demand. Glass is in a weak - balance state and will move towards the delivery logic. Caustic soda needs to pay attention to the delivery logic and supply - side pressure [32][34][35][38][39][40][42][43][44][45][46][47][49][50][53][54][55][56][57][58][60]. - **Agricultural Products**: For oilseeds, it's recommended to go long on the far - month contracts. Vegetable oils are expected to be weak and adjust, with soybean oil being relatively stronger. Corn and starch are expected to be in a narrow - range shock and decline slightly [67][68][69][70][71][72]. 3. Summaries by Relevant Catalogs Financial Futures - **Macro**: Domestically, the manufacturing PMI has declined, and the economy is under downward pressure. Overseas, the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations are affected by non - farm data and inflation [1][2]. - **RMB Exchange Rate**: The RMB exchange rate is affected by the weakening of the US dollar and the central bank's guidance, and it's expected to be supported in the 7.15 - 7.23 range [3][4]. - **Stock Index**: The stock market is expected to be volatile due to the lack of a continuous leading sector and short - term positive factors [5][6]. - **Treasury Bonds**: The decline of treasury bond futures in the afternoon is affected by the A - share market and false news. It's recommended for band - trading [6][7]. - **Shipping (EC)**: Affected by US tariffs and spot quotes, the EC is expected to be volatile and decline [9][10]. Commodities - **Precious Metals**: Gold and silver prices rose due to the recovery of the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations, and they are expected to stop falling and rise [11]. - **Copper**: Copper prices are affected by the US dollar index, and it's recommended to hold cash and wait [12][13]. - **Aluminum Industry Chain**: Aluminum is under pressure and fluctuates, alumina is weak, and cast aluminum alloy is in a shock state [14][15]. - **Nickel and Stainless Steel**: They are expected to be volatile in the short term [15][16]. - **Tin**: Tin prices are expected to decline slightly due to the weakening of the US dollar index [17][18]. - **Lithium Carbonate**: It's expected to be in a wide - range shock due to supply - side disturbances [18][19]. - **Industrial Silicon and Polysilicon**: They are expected to enter a shock range, and it's recommended to pay attention to the callback buying opportunity for industrial silicon [19][20]. - **Rebar and Hot - Rolled Coils**: They have limited upward and downward space due to unclear driving factors [22][23]. - **Iron Ore**: It's expected to be strong due to good fundamentals and high demand [24][26]. - **Coking Coal and Coke**: They have short - term callback pressure but are not pessimistic in the long term [27][28]. - **Ferrosilicon and Ferromanganese**: They are recommended not to be overly pessimistic as the market sentiment has cooled but the fundamentals are supported [29][30]. Energy and Chemicals - **Crude Oil**: It's under supply - surplus risk and has limited upward space due to weakening seasonal demand [32][34]. - **LPG**: Supply and demand remain loose [35][37]. - **PX - PTA**: It's recommended to expand the TA processing fee at low levels as the TA processing fee is at a historical low [38][39]. - **MEG - Bottle Chips**: They are expected to fluctuate in a range as the "anti - involution" premium is squeezed out [40][42]. - **Methanol**: The short - term fundamentals are weak, and it's necessary to pay attention to downstream resistance and port - inland price differences [43][44]. - **PP**: It's expected to return to a weak and volatile pattern due to supply - demand imbalance [45][46]. - **PE**: It's expected to be volatile in the short term and wait for demand recovery [47][49]. - **Pure Benzene and Styrene**: It's recommended to narrow the price difference between them, and styrene is recommended to be shorted on rallies [50][53]. - **Fuel Oil**: It's weak due to sufficient supply and low demand [54]. - **Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: It's affected by crude oil and falls, and it's recommended to be short - configured [55]. - **Urea**: The 09 contract is expected to be volatile and weak due to the pressure on the spot market and the weakening of agricultural demand [56]. - **Glass, Soda Ash, and Caustic Soda**: Soda ash has a pattern of strong supply and weak demand. Glass is in a weak - balance state and will move towards the delivery logic. Caustic soda needs to pay attention to the delivery logic and supply - side pressure [57][58][60]. Agricultural Products - **Oilseeds**: It's recommended to go long on the far - month contracts as the domestic far - month has a supply - demand gap [67][68][69]. - **Vegetable Oils**: They are expected to be weak and adjust, with soybean oil being relatively stronger [69][70]. - **Corn and Starch**: They are expected to be in a narrow - range shock and decline slightly due to weak demand [71][72]. Others - **Paper Pulp**: It's expected to be in a shock state after the price decline, and it's recommended to wait and see [61]. - **Log**: It's recommended for non - industrial customers to operate in a range and for industrial customers to hedge. The price fluctuates around the warehouse - receipt cost [62][63][64]. - **Propylene**: The spot price is weak, and the cost is disturbed. The supply is loose, and the demand changes little [64][65][66].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The energy - chemical sector includes energy, alcohols, polyolefins, rubber, polyesters, alkalis, and others. Strategies suggest constructing option portfolios mainly on the short - selling side, along with spot hedging or covered strategies to enhance returns [3][9]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market Overview - The table shows the latest prices, price changes, trading volumes, and open interest of various energy - chemical futures contracts. For example, the latest price of crude oil (SC2509) is 510, down 7 with a decline of 1.28%, trading volume of 14.58 million lots, and open interest of 2.82 million lots [4]. 3.2 Option Factors - Volume and Open Interest PCR - The PCR indicators for volume and open interest of different energy - chemical options are presented. These indicators help describe the strength of the option underlying market and potential turning points. For instance, the volume PCR of crude oil options is 0.89 with a change of - 0.12, and the open - interest PCR is 0.75 with a change of - 0.10 [5]. 3.3 Option Factors - Pressure and Support Levels - The pressure and support levels of different energy - chemical options are analyzed from the perspective of the strike prices with the largest open interest of call and put options. For example, the pressure level of crude oil is 640 and the support level is 480 [6]. 3.4 Option Factors - Implied Volatility - The implied volatility data of various energy - chemical options are provided, including at - the - money implied volatility and volume - weighted implied volatility. For example, the at - the - money implied volatility of crude oil options is 30.835, and the weighted implied volatility is 34.67 with a change of - 1.69 [7]. 3.5 Strategy and Recommendations 3.5.1 Energy - related Options - **Crude Oil**: The US crude oil inventories have increased. The market showed a short - term upward trend followed by a decline last week. Implied volatility is around the average. Directional strategy: None; Volatility strategy: Construct a short - neutral call + put option combination; Spot long - hedging strategy: Build a long - collar strategy [8]. - **LPG**: Factory and port inventories are at high levels. The market is short - oriented in the short term. Implied volatility is at a relatively high historical level. Similar to crude oil, it has corresponding strategies for volatility and spot long - hedging [10]. 3.5.2 Alcohol - related Options - **Methanol**: Production enterprise inventories and orders have decreased. The market is weak with pressure above. Implied volatility is around the average. Strategies include short - neutral option combinations and long - collar hedging [10]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: The overall operating rate is stable, but production profits are under pressure. The market shows a narrow - range volatile pattern. Strategies involve short - selling volatility and long - collar hedging [11]. 3.5.3 Polyolefin - related Options - **Polypropylene**: The number of maintenance production lines has decreased, and production has increased. The market is weak with upward pressure. Strategies include long - collar hedging [11]. 3.5.4 Rubber - related Options - **Rubber**: The opening area and output in Hainan have decreased. The market is in a short - term downward trend. Strategies involve short - neutral option combinations [12]. 3.5.5 Polyester - related Options - **PTA**: Factory inventories are accumulating, and price rebound is restricted. The market shows a slight upward trend with pressure. Strategies include short - neutral option combinations [13]. 3.5.6 Alkali - related Options - **Caustic Soda**: The average utilization rate of production capacity has slightly decreased. The market is volatile with pressure. Strategies include long - collar hedging [14]. - **Soda Ash**: Inventories are at a high level. The market has experienced a significant decline after a rise. Strategies include short - selling volatility and long - collar hedging [14]. 3.5.7 Other Options - **Urea**: Supply is slightly decreasing, and demand is weak. The market is volatile under short - term pressure. Strategies include short - bearish option combinations and long - collar hedging [15].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The current fundamental market of crude oil is healthy. With low inventories in Cushing, combined with hurricane expectations and Russia - related events, crude oil has upward momentum. However, the seasonal demand decline in mid - August will limit its upside. A short - term target price of $70.4/barrel for WTI is given, suggesting short - term long positions and profit - taking on dips, and left - side trading for Russia's geopolitical expectations in September and the hurricane supply - disruption season when oil prices drop significantly [2]. - Methanol is currently over - valued, with supply pressure increasing as enterprise profits are high and production starts to recover, while demand is weak due to port olefin shutdowns and the traditional off - season. High inventory and weakening supply - demand fundamentals put pressure on prices [4]. - Urea is in a low - valuation and weak - supply - demand pattern. Although the current price is not high and the room for further decline is limited, it is not advisable to be overly bearish. After the cooling of the domestic commodity sentiment, volatility is expected to gradually decline [6]. - For rubber, there are different views from bulls and bears. Bulls focus on potential production cuts in Southeast Asia, seasonal price increases in the second half of the year, and improved demand expectations in China, while bears are concerned about uncertain macro - expectations, seasonal off - season demand, and potential under - performance of production cuts. It is recommended to adopt a neutral approach and trade quickly in the short - term [8][10]. - PVC has a poor fundamental situation with strong supply, weak demand, and high valuations. It is necessary to observe whether exports can reverse the domestic inventory build - up situation. After the anti - involution sentiment fades, prices have dropped significantly in the short - term [10]. - For benzene styrene, the BZN spread is expected to repair, and after the high - level port inventory is reduced, the price is expected to follow the cost side and oscillate upwards [13]. - Polyethylene prices will be determined by the game between the cost side and the supply side in the short - term, with high production capacity release pressure in August. It is recommended to hold short positions [15]. - Polypropylene prices are expected to follow crude oil and oscillate higher in July, with the cost side likely to dominate the market under the background of weak supply and demand in the seasonal off - season [16]. - PX is expected to continue de - stocking. With a neutral valuation, there are short - term opportunities to go long on dips following crude oil [19]. - PTA is expected to continue to accumulate inventory, but due to low inventory levels and the approaching end of the off - season for polyester and terminal production, the negative feedback pressure on PX is small. There are opportunities to go long on dips following PX [20]. - Ethylene glycol's fundamentals are expected to weaken from strong. With high overseas device loads and expected increases in arrivals, there is short - term pressure on valuation decline [21]. Summary by Related Catalogs Crude Oil - **Price:** WTI main crude oil futures fell $1.02, or 1.52%, to $66.24; Brent main crude oil futures fell $0.84, or 1.21%, to $68.68; INE main crude oil futures fell 13.60 yuan, or 2.58%, to 514.3 yuan [1]. - **Data:** China's weekly crude oil data showed that crude oil arrival inventory increased by 1.37 million barrels to 207.19 million barrels, a 0.67% increase; gasoline commercial inventory decreased by 1.07 million barrels to 90.85 million barrels, a 1.17% decrease; diesel commercial inventory increased by 0.72 million barrels to 102.78 million barrels, a 0.70% increase; total refined oil commercial inventory decreased by 0.36 million barrels to 193.64 million barrels, a 0.18% decrease [1]. Methanol - **Price:** On August 4, the 09 contract fell 3 yuan/ton to 2390 yuan/ton, and the spot price fell 15 yuan/ton, with a basis of - 20 [4]. - **Fundamentals:** Affected by overall commodity sentiment, it will gradually return to its own fundamentals. Supply pressure will increase as enterprise profits are high and production starts to recover. Demand is weak due to port olefin shutdowns and the traditional off - season. Port inventory is increasing rapidly, and the basis and inter - month spread are falling [4]. Urea - **Price:** On August 4, the 09 contract rose 24 yuan/ton to 1733 yuan/ton, and the spot price remained unchanged, with a basis of + 17 [6]. - **Fundamentals:** Supply is slightly decreasing but still at a relatively high level year - on - year. Enterprise profits are poor, and production is expected to increase gradually. Export demand is lower than expected, and domestic agricultural demand is entering the off - season. Compound fertilizer production for autumn is starting, and enterprise inventories are increasing [6]. Rubber - **Price:** NR and RU rebounded after a decline [8]. - **Fundamentals:** Bulls and bears have different views. Bulls expect production cuts and improved demand, while bears are concerned about uncertain macro - expectations and seasonal off - season demand. Tire factory operating rates are decreasing, and natural rubber inventories are increasing [8][9]. - **Operation Suggestion:** Adopt a neutral approach and trade quickly in the short - term. Consider long positions in RU2601 and short positions in RU2509 for opportunistic band trading [10]. PVC - **Price:** The PVC09 contract fell 34 yuan to 4981 yuan, the Changzhou SG - 5 spot price was 4960 (+40) yuan/ton, the basis was - 121 (- 26) yuan/ton, and the 9 - 1 spread was - 137 (- 1) yuan/ton [10]. - **Fundamentals:** Cost is stable, overall production capacity utilization is 76.8%, with an increase of 0.05%. Downstream demand is weak, and inventories are increasing. Enterprises' comprehensive profits are at a high level, and valuations are under pressure [10]. Benzene Styrene - **Price:** The spot price remained unchanged, the futures price fell, and the basis strengthened [12]. - **Fundamentals:** The BZN spread is at a relatively low level and has room for upward repair. Cost support exists, supply is increasing, port inventory is decreasing significantly, and demand is oscillating upwards in the off - season [12][13]. Polyethylene - **Price:** The futures price fell [15]. - **Fundamentals:** Market expects an improvement in China's PMI in July, and cost support exists. Spot prices are falling, and inventory pressure is loosening. Demand is weak in the off - season, and there is high production capacity release pressure in August [15]. - **Operation Suggestion:** Hold short positions [15]. Polypropylene - **Price:** The futures price fell [16]. - **Fundamentals:** Shandong refinery profits are rebounding, and production capacity utilization is expected to increase. Demand is weak in the off - season, and cost is likely to dominate the market. There is limited planned production capacity release in August [16]. PX - **Price:** The PX09 contract fell 58 yuan to 6754 yuan, PX CFR fell 8 dollars to 838 dollars, the basis was 142 (- 18) yuan, and the 9 - 1 spread was 26 (+4) yuan [18]. - **Fundamentals:** PX production capacity utilization is high, downstream PTA short - term maintenance is increasing, and overall production capacity utilization is decreasing, but PTA inventory is low, and polyester and terminal production are approaching the end of the off - season. PX is expected to continue de - stocking [18][19]. PTA - **Price:** The PTA09 contract fell 46 yuan to 4698 yuan, the East China spot price fell 60 yuan to 4690 yuan, the basis was - 15 (- 2) yuan, and the 9 - 1 spread was - 34 (+4) yuan [20]. - **Fundamentals:** PTA production capacity utilization is decreasing, and new devices are being put into operation. Supply is expected to increase, but due to low inventory levels and the approaching end of the off - season, the negative feedback pressure on PX is small [20]. Ethylene Glycol - **Price:** The EG09 contract fell 16 yuan to 4389 yuan, the East China spot price fell 25 yuan to 4455 yuan, the basis was 78 (+5) yuan, and the 9 - 1 spread was - 28 (+6) yuan [21]. - **Fundamentals:** Production capacity utilization is slightly decreasing, overseas device loads are high, and arrivals are expected to increase. Downstream demand is gradually recovering from the off - season, but inventory de - stocking is expected to slow down, and valuations are under pressure [21].

Group 1 - The recent trade data reveals that the U.S. energy exports to China have dropped to zero for crude oil, LNG, and coal, marking a significant blow to the U.S. energy sector [1][3][4] - In June 2022, U.S. crude oil exports to China were valued at $800 million, but by June 2023, this figure fell to zero, the first occurrence in three years [3] - LNG exports to China ceased in March 2023, leading to a drop in utilization rates of U.S. LNG export terminals from 85% to 40% [3][10] Group 2 - The U.S. initially aimed to leverage energy exports to reduce China's trade surplus and boost its own energy sector, but underestimated China's adaptability [3][10] - China has diversified its energy import sources, strengthening ties with Russia and Middle Eastern countries, which has filled the market gap left by the U.S. [6][8] - China's domestic energy production, including shale gas and renewables, is rapidly increasing, reducing reliance on foreign energy and enhancing its negotiating power [8][10] Group 3 - The cessation of U.S. energy exports has led to significant economic losses, with the U.S. energy sector losing over $20 billion in the first half of 2023 [3][10] - U.S. shale oil companies are facing inventory buildup and are forced to cut jobs and reduce production due to the loss of Chinese orders [10][11] - The overall production costs in the U.S. have risen, making it difficult for manufacturing companies to return to the U.S. from overseas [11] Group 4 - Trump's recent signals of goodwill towards China, such as allowing GE to export engines for the C919 aircraft, indicate a shift in strategy under economic pressure [11][13] - The upcoming significant events, such as China's military parade, may provide a political opportunity for Trump to visit China, but he must demonstrate sincerity by addressing tariffs and corporate pressures [14][15] - The dynamics of U.S.-China trade relations are shifting, with the U.S. pressure tactics becoming less effective as China responds with more mature strategies [14][15]

Report Industry Investment Ratings No relevant content provided. Core Views - The oil price is expected to be volatile and strong after a correction this week, and attention should be paid to the implementation of the extension of Sino - US reciprocal tariffs before August 12 [1]. - For precious metals, maintain the idea of buying on dips in the volatile trend [2]. - For copper, hold short positions [3]. - Aluminum is expected to continue to be under pressure and fluctuate in the short term [4]. - For casting aluminum alloy, consider a long - AD and short - AL strategy if the futures spread widens [5]. - For alumina, short on rebounds based on the recent high of 3500 yuan [6]. - For zinc, continue the idea of short on rebounds [7]. - For lead, it is advisable to hold long positions with the support of 16,600 yuan/ton [8]. - For nickel, look for opportunities to short [9]. - For tin, hold short positions at high levels [10]. - For lithium carbonate, try light - position long positions in the short term [11]. - For polysilicon, it is likely to have a wide - range shock in the range of 46,000 - 47,000 yuan/ton, and pay attention to position control [12]. - For industrial silicon, it is expected to be volatile and weak in the short term [13]. - For rebar and hot - rolled coil, pay attention to the off - season demand承接 ability [14]. - For iron ore, it is expected to fluctuate mainly [15]. - For coke, the downside space is relatively small in the short term [16]. - For coking coal, the downside space is relatively small in the short term [17]. - For ferrosilicon manganese, pay attention to the support at the 5800 level [18]. - For ferrosilicon, it follows the trend of ferrosilicon manganese, and the power cost may decline again [19]. - For the container shipping index (European line), it is recommended to hold existing short positions [20]. - For fuel oil and low - sulfur fuel oil, the crack spreads are weak [21]. - For asphalt, the unilateral trend follows the oil price with limited fluctuation space [22]. - For liquefied petroleum gas, it runs at a low level overall [23]. - For urea, the short - term market is weak and volatile [24]. - For methanol, pay attention to the impact of macro policies [25]. - For pure benzene, conduct monthly spread band operations [26]. - For styrene, the price continues to run weakly [27]. - For polypropylene, plastic, and propylene, the prices are prone to fall and difficult to rise [28]. - For PVC and caustic soda, PVC is expected to be volatile and weak, and caustic soda is under pressure at high levels [29]. - For PX and PTA, the mid - term processing margin has a repair drive, waiting for downstream demand recovery [30]. - For ethylene glycol, the price continues to decline [31]. - For short - fiber and bottle - chip, consider long positions for short - fiber in the medium term, and the processing margin of bottle - chip is restricted [32]. - For glass, it runs weakly [33]. - For rubber, adopt a wait - and - see strategy [34]. - For soda ash, it is expected to be volatile and weak in the short term [35]. - For soybeans and soybean meal, the market is initially treated as a shock [36]. - For soybean oil and palm oil, maintain a long - on - dips strategy [37]. - For rapeseed meal and rapeseed oil, adopt a wait - and - see strategy in the short term [38]. - For domestic soybeans, the market is initially treated as a shock [39]. - For corn, the Dalian corn futures may continue to oscillate weakly at the bottom [40]. - For live pigs, it is recommended that the industry conduct hedging on rallies [41]. - For eggs, the futures contracts after 2026 are expected to be stronger than those in the second half of 2025 [42]. - For cotton, adopt a wait - and - see or intraday trading strategy [43]. - For sugar, the sugar price is expected to be volatile in the short term, and adopt a wait - and - see strategy [44]. - For apples, pay attention to the price change of early - maturing apples and the new - season yield estimate [45]. - For timber, maintain a long - biased strategy [46]. - For pulp, the price may return to low - level oscillations, and adopt a wait - and - see strategy [47]. - For stock index futures, maintain an increased allocation of the technology - growth sector and pay attention to opportunities in the low - level consumer sector [48]. - For treasury bond futures, it may enter a repair phase, and the probability of a steeper yield curve increases [49]. Summaries by Related Categories Energy - **Crude Oil**: Last week, the crude oil market rose first and then fell. Brent's October contract still rose 2.84%, and SC09 rose 2.92%. OPEC + decided to increase production by 547,000 barrels per day in September [1]. - **Fuel Oil & Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: FU and LU crack spreads continued to decline, and the market fundamentals were weak [21]. - **Asphalt**: In August, the domestic production volume decreased compared with July. The demand recovery was delayed, and the inventory removal was weak [22]. - **Liquefied Petroleum Gas**: The Middle East CP dropped significantly, the supply was loose, and the price was at a low level [23]. Metals - **Precious Metals**: After the US non - farm payrolls data was lower than expected, the Fed is expected to cut interest rates in September, and precious metals rebounded [2]. - **Base Metals** - **Copper**: The London copper closed down. Pay attention to the resistance of the MA60 moving average. Hold short positions [3]. - **Aluminum**: The Shanghai aluminum fluctuated narrowly. The inventory increased, and it was under pressure in the short term [4]. - **Zinc**: The 08 contract entered the delivery month. The supply was expected to increase, and it was recommended to short on rebounds [7]. - **Lead**: The price dropped, and it was advisable to hold long positions with support [8]. - **Nickel**: The Shanghai nickel fluctuated, and it was recommended to short [9]. - **Tin**: The London tin rose. Hold short positions at high levels [10]. - **Ferroalloys** - **Manganese Silicon**: The supply and demand were relatively balanced, and pay attention to the support at 5800 [18]. - **Silicon Iron**: It followed the trend of manganese silicon, and the power cost might decline [19]. Chemicals - **Urea**: The agricultural demand entered the off - season, and the short - term market was weak and volatile [24]. - **Methanol**: The port inventory increased seasonally, and the supply was sufficient. Pay attention to macro policies [25]. - **Pure Benzene**: The price was weak, and it was recommended to conduct monthly spread band operations [26]. - **Styrene**: The supply pressure was relatively large, and the price continued to be weak [27]. - **Polypropylene & Plastic & Propylene**: The prices were prone to fall and difficult to rise [28]. - **PVC & Caustic Soda**: PVC was expected to be volatile and weak, and caustic soda was under pressure at high levels [29]. - **PX & PTA**: The mid - term processing margin had a repair drive, waiting for downstream demand recovery [30]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: The price continued to decline [31]. - **Short - Fiber & Bottle - Chip**: Consider long positions for short - fiber in the medium term, and the processing margin of bottle - chip was restricted [32]. Building Materials - **Glass**: It ran weakly, and the inventory increased [33]. - **Industrial Silicon**: It was expected to be volatile and weak in the short term [13]. Agricultural Products - **Soybeans & Soybean Meal**: The US soybeans were under pressure, and the market was initially treated as a shock [36]. - **Soybean Oil & Palm Oil**: Maintain a long - on - dips strategy [37]. - **Rapeseed Meal & Rapeseed Oil**: Adopt a wait - and - see strategy in the short term [38]. - **Domestic Soybeans**: The price was in a shock, and pay attention to the weather [39]. - **Corn**: The Dalian corn futures may continue to oscillate weakly at the bottom [40]. - **Live Pigs**: The futures price may have peaked, and it is recommended to hedge on rallies [41]. - **Eggs**: The futures contracts after 2026 are expected to be stronger than those in the second half of 2025 [42]. - **Cotton**: The US cotton and Zhengzhou cotton fell. Adopt a wait - and - see or intraday trading strategy [43]. - **Sugar**: The sugar price was expected to be volatile in the short term, and adopt a wait - and - see strategy [44]. - **Apples**: Pay attention to the price change of early - maturing apples and the new - season yield estimate [45]. - **Timber**: The demand improved, the inventory was low, and maintain a long - biased strategy [46]. - **Pulp**: The price may return to low - level oscillations, and adopt a wait - and - see strategy [47]. Financial Futures - **Stock Index Futures**: The A - share market was volatile. Maintain an increased allocation of the technology - growth sector and pay attention to opportunities in the low - level consumer sector [48]. - **Treasury Bond Futures**: It may enter a repair phase, and the probability of a steeper yield curve increases [49]. Others - **Container Shipping Index (European Line)**: The SCFI European route decreased slightly. The主力 EC2510 contract was deeply discounted, and it is recommended to hold short positions [20].

Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content found Core Viewpoints - The domestic Shanghai rubber futures contract 2509 may maintain a volatile and stable trend after the full release of negative sentiment, with the futures price finding support at the 40 - and 60 - day moving averages [4]. - The domestic methanol futures contract 2509 may maintain a volatile and weak trend under the dominance of bearish factors, dragged down by the sharp decline in domestic coal futures and the weak supply - demand fundamentals of methanol [4]. - The prices of domestic and foreign crude oil futures may maintain a volatile and weak trend under the dominance of bearish sentiment, as the supply pressure increases after OPEC+ oil - producing countries decide to significantly expand production in September [5]. Summary of Each Section 1. Industry Dynamics Rubber - As of July 27, 2025, the total inventory of natural rubber in bonded and general trade in Qingdao was 640,400 tons, a month - on - month increase of 6,000 tons or 0.91%. The bonded area inventory decreased by 2.70% to 75,800 tons, while the general trade inventory increased by 1.42% to 564,600 tons. The storage rate of bonded warehouses decreased by 0.38 percentage points, and the pick - up rate increased by 0.63 percentage points; the storage rate of general trade warehouses increased by 1.67 percentage points, and the pick - up rate increased by 0.14 percentage points [8]. - As of August 1, 2025, the capacity utilization rate of China's semi - steel tire sample enterprises was 69.98%, a week - on - week slight decrease of 0.08 percentage points and a year - on - year sharp decline of 9.22 percentage points; the capacity utilization rate of China's full - steel tire sample enterprises was 59.26%, a week - on - week slight decline of 2.97 percentage points and a year - on - year slight increase of 2.76 percentage points [8]. - In the terminal retail sector, in June 2025, China's automobile dealer inventory warning index was 56.6%, a year - on - year decrease of 5.7 percentage points and a month - on - month increase of 3.9 percentage points. The inventory warning index was above the boom - bust line, indicating a decline in the prosperity of the automobile circulation industry [8]. - From January to June 2025, China's automobile production and sales were 15.621 million and 15.653 million vehicles respectively, a year - on - year increase of 12.5% and 11.4%. The production and sales of new energy vehicles were 6.968 million and 6.937 million vehicles respectively, a year - on - year increase of 41.4% and 40.3%, and the new - car sales of new energy vehicles accounted for 44.3% of the total new - car sales [9]. Methanol - As of the week of August 1, 2025, the average domestic methanol operating rate was 81.92%, a week - on - week slight increase of 0.26%, a month - on - month slight decline of 3.28%, and a significant year - on - year increase of 11.46%. The average weekly methanol production in China reached 1.9302 million tons, a week - on - week slight increase of 31,300 tons, a month - on - month significant decline of 56,900 tons, and a significant year - on - year increase of 312,000 tons compared to 1.6182 million tons last year [10]. - As of the week of August 1, 2025, the domestic formaldehyde operating rate was 28.55%, a week - on - week slight increase of 0.59%. The dimethyl ether operating rate was 5.72%, a week - on - week slight increase of 0.41%. The acetic acid operating rate was 88.79%, a week - on - week slight decrease of 4.16%. The MTBE operating rate was 54.84%, a week - on - week slight decrease of 2.32%. The average operating load of domestic coal (methanol) to olefin plants was 75.72%, a week - on - week slight decline of 0.70 percentage points and a month - on - month slight decrease of 2.67 percentage points. As of August 1, 2025, the futures market profit of domestic methanol to olefins was - 87 yuan/ton, a week - on - week significant recovery of 249 yuan/ton and a month - on - month slight recovery of 21 yuan/ton [10]. - As of the week of August 1, 2025, the port methanol inventory in East and South China was 650,300 tons, a week - on - week significant increase of 63,200 tons, a month - on - month significant increase of 150,600 tons, and a significant year - on - year decrease of 158,000 tons. As of the week of July 31, 2025, the total inland methanol inventory in China was 324,700 tons, a week - on - week slight decrease of 15,200 tons, a month - on - month slight decrease of 16,900 tons, and a significant year - on - year decrease of 75,600 tons compared to 400,300 tons last year [11][13] Crude Oil - As of the week of July 25, 2025, the number of active oil rigs in the United States was 415, a week - on - week slight decrease of 7 and a year - on - year decrease of 67. The average daily crude oil production in the United States was 13.314 million barrels, a week - on - week slight increase of 41,000 barrels per day and a year - on - year increase of 14,000 barrels per day [13]. - As of the week of July 25, 2025, the U.S. commercial crude oil inventory (excluding strategic petroleum reserves) reached 426.7 million barrels, a week - on - week significant increase of 7.698 million barrels and a year - on - year significant decrease of 6.358 million barrels. The crude oil inventory in Cushing, Oklahoma, was 22.553 million barrels, a week - on - week slight increase of 690,000 barrels; the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) inventory was 402.7 million barrels, a week - on - week slight increase of 238,000 barrels. The U.S. refinery operating rate was maintained at 95.4%, a week - on - week slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points, a month - on - month slight increase of 0.5 percentage points, and a year - on - year significant increase of 5.3 percentage points [13]. - As of July 29, 2025, the average non - commercial net long positions in WTI crude oil were 156,023 contracts, a week - on - week slight increase of 2,692 contracts and a significant decrease of 49,956 contracts or 24.25% compared to the June average of 205,979 contracts. As of July 29, 2025, the average net long positions of Brent crude oil futures funds were 249,973 contracts, a week - on - week significant increase of 22,728 contracts and a significant increase of 63,690 contracts or 34.19% compared to the June average of 186,283 contracts [14]. 2. Spot Price Table - The spot price of Shanghai rubber was 14,400 yuan/ton, a decrease of 50 yuan/ton from the previous day; the futures price of the main contract was 14,365 yuan/ton, an increase of 55 yuan/ton from the previous day; the basis was +35 yuan/ton, a change of - 55 yuan/ton [16]. - The spot price of methanol was 2,410 yuan/ton, a decrease of 12 yuan/ton from the previous day; the futures price of the main contract was 2,390 yuan/ton, a decrease of 3 yuan/ton from the previous day; the basis was +20 yuan/ton, a change of +3 yuan/ton [16]. - The spot price of crude oil was 495.7 yuan/barrel, a decrease of 0.7 yuan/barrel from the previous day; the futures price of the main contract was 514.3 yuan/barrel, a decrease of 13.6 yuan/barrel from the previous day; the basis was - 18.6 yuan/barrel, a change of +12.9 yuan/barrel [16]. 3. Related Charts - The report provides multiple charts related to rubber, methanol, and crude oil, including basis, month - to - month spread, inventory, and net position changes, with data sources from Wind and Baocheng Futures Research Institute [17][30][43]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The energy - chemical sector is mainly divided into energy, alcohols, polyolefins, rubber, polyesters, alkalis, and others. Strategies suggest constructing option portfolio strategies mainly based on sellers, as well as spot hedging or covered strategies to enhance returns [3][9]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market Overview - The latest prices of various energy - chemical futures showed different trends. For example, crude oil (SC2509) was at 513, down 15 (-2.86%); liquefied petroleum gas (PG2509) was at 3,923, down 64 (-1.61%); methanol (MA2509) was at 2,383, down 20 (-0.83%) [4]. 3.2 Option Factor - Quantity and Position PCR - The PCR indicators of different option varieties varied. For instance, the volume PCR of crude oil was 1.01 with a change of 0.46, and the position PCR was 0.85 with a change of 0.01. These indicators are used to describe the strength of the option underlying market and the turning point of the market [5]. 3.3 Option Factor - Pressure and Support Levels - Each option variety has corresponding pressure and support levels. For example, the pressure level of crude oil was 640 and the support level was 500; the pressure level of liquefied petroleum gas was 5,200 and the support level was 3,800 [6]. 3.4 Option Factor - Implied Volatility - The implied volatility of different option varieties also differed. For example, the at - the - money implied volatility of crude oil was 33.445, and the weighted implied volatility was 36.36 with a change of - 1.17 [7]. 3.5 Strategy and Recommendations for Each Option Variety 3.5.1 Energy - related Options (Crude Oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas) - **Crude Oil**: The US crude oil inventories increased. The market showed a short - term upward受阻and then downward trend. Implied volatility fluctuated around the mean. Recommended strategies included constructing a neutral short call + put option combination strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [8]. - **Liquefied Petroleum Gas**: Factory and port inventories were at high levels. The market was short - term bearish. Implied volatility was at a relatively high historical level. Recommended strategies included constructing a short - biased call + put option combination strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [10]. 3.5.2 Alcohol - related Options (Methanol, Ethylene Glycol) - **Methanol**: Production enterprise inventories and orders decreased. The market was weakly bullish with pressure. Implied volatility fluctuated around the mean. Recommended strategies included constructing a neutral short call + put option combination strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [10]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: The overall operating rate was stable, but production profits were under pressure. The market was weakly bullish with pressure. Implied volatility fluctuated around the historical mean. Recommended strategies included constructing a short - volatility strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [11]. 3.5.3 Polyolefin - related Options (Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Plastic, Styrene) - **Polypropylene**: The number of maintenance production lines decreased, and production increased. The market was weakly bearish. Implied volatility was around the historical mean. Recommended strategies included a long collar strategy for spot hedging [11]. 3.5.4 Rubber - related Options (Rubber, Synthetic Rubber) - **Rubber**: Hainan's natural rubber production decreased. The market was bearish. Implied volatility decreased to around the mean after a sharp increase. Recommended strategies included constructing a neutral short call + put option combination strategy [12]. 3.5.5 Polyester - related Options (Para - xylene, PTA, Short - fiber, Bottle - chip) - **PTA**: Factory inventories continued to accumulate, and prices were under pressure. The market was slightly bullish with pressure. Implied volatility was at a relatively high level. Recommended strategies included constructing a neutral short call + put option combination strategy [13]. 3.5.6 Alkali - related Options (Caustic Soda, Soda Ash, Urea) - **Caustic Soda**: The average utilization rate of production capacity decreased slightly. The market was weakly bullish with pressure. Implied volatility was at a relatively high level. Recommended strategies included a long collar strategy for spot hedging [14]. - **Soda Ash**: Inventories continued to accumulate at a high level. The market was bearish after a sharp decline. Implied volatility was at a relatively high level. Recommended strategies included constructing a short - volatility combination strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [14]. - **Urea**: Supply decreased slightly, and demand was weak. The market was bearish with fluctuations. Implied volatility was below the historical mean. Recommended strategies included constructing a short - biased call + put option combination strategy and a long collar strategy for spot hedging [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of recent economic data and policy decisions on various sectors, particularly focusing on the U.S. non-farm payrolls, oil prices, and the performance of the Chinese stock market. Group 1: Economic Indicators - The U.S. non-farm payrolls data showed a significant miss, with only 73,000 jobs added in July, far below the expected 110,000, marking the lowest increase in nine months [11][18] - The previous two months' data were revised down by a total of 258,000 jobs, indicating a weakening labor market [11][18] - The ISM manufacturing PMI for July unexpectedly dropped to 48%, the lowest in nine months, reflecting a contraction in the manufacturing sector [11] Group 2: Oil Market - Oil prices fell by 2.86% in the overnight session, with OPEC and its allies approving an increase in production by 548,000 barrels per day for September [12][19] - The U.S. President threatened to penalize China and India for purchasing oil from a European country, which could risk 2.75 million barrels per day of maritime oil exports from that country [12][19] - China and India, the second and third largest oil consumers globally, have not indicated plans to reduce imports, although India has completed its procurement of Russian oil for September [12][19] Group 3: Stock Market Performance - The Chinese stock market experienced a decline following the disappointing U.S. non-farm payrolls data, with significant drops in the oil, petrochemical, and defense sectors [9][10] - The market capitalization reached 1.62 trillion yuan, with a slight increase in financing balance by 432 million yuan to 19,710.27 billion yuan [9][10] - The article suggests that while the current policy signals are clear and valuations are beginning to recover, the fundamental economic conditions have yet to be validated [9][10] Group 4: Industry News - The National Development and Reform Commission of China plans to accelerate the approval of new policy financial tools, which may boost infrastructure investment in the second half of the year [6] - Hospitals in several provinces are tightening regulations on pharmaceutical representatives, aiming to curb unethical practices in the medical field [7]

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. Core Viewpoints of the Report - For crude oil, the current oil price has reached the short - term expected target price. With a bearish macro trend and geopolitical bullish expectations still in place, it is recommended to take profits and then wait and observe [3]. - For methanol, it is currently over - valued and the supply - demand balance is weakening, so the price is under pressure [5]. - For urea, it remains in a low - valuation and weak - supply - demand pattern. The current price is not high, and the room for further decline is limited. It is not advisable to be overly bearish [7]. - For rubber, considering the expected bearish US non - farm data and the overall decline of industrial products, there is still a risk of decline. It is recommended to wait and observe for now, and consider a band - trading strategy of going long on RU2601 and short on RU2509 [9][12]. - For PVC, it has a situation of strong supply, weak demand, and high valuation. It is necessary to observe whether exports can reverse the domestic inventory build - up situation [14]. - For styrene, the BZN spread is expected to repair, and after the high port inventory is reduced, the styrene price may fluctuate upward following the cost side [17]. - For polyethylene, the price will be determined by the game between the cost side and the supply side in the short term, and it is recommended to hold short positions [20]. - For polypropylene, the cost side may dominate the market, and the price is expected to fluctuate strongly following crude oil in July [21]. - For PX, it is recommended to pay attention to the opportunity of going long on dips following crude oil in the short term [24]. - For PTA, it is recommended to pay attention to the opportunity of going long on dips following PX [25]. - For ethylene glycol, the fundamental situation is changing from strong to weak, and there is downward pressure on short - term valuation [26]. Summary by Related Catalogs Crude Oil - **Market Quotes**: As of Friday, the WTI main crude oil futures closed down $2.10, a 3.03% decline, at $67.26; Brent main crude oil futures closed down $3.03, a 4.18% decline, at $69.52; INE main crude oil futures closed down 3.50 yuan, a 0.66% decline, at 527.9 yuan [2]. - **Data**: According to the European ARA weekly data, gasoline inventory decreased by 0.38 million barrels to 9.76 million barrels, a 3.79% decline; diesel inventory decreased by 0.16 million barrels to 12.91 million barrels, a 1.26% decline; fuel oil inventory decreased by 0.11 million barrels to 6.23 million barrels, a 1.70% decline; naphtha inventory increased by 0.21 million barrels to 5.28 million barrels, a 4.08% increase; aviation kerosene inventory increased by 0.61 million barrels to 6.49 million barrels, a 10.47% increase; the total refined oil inventory increased by 0.17 million barrels to 40.66 million barrels, a 0.41% increase [2]. Methanol - **Market Quotes**: On August 1, the 09 contract fell 10 yuan/ton to 2383 yuan/ton, and the spot price fell 10 yuan/ton, with a basis of +2 [5]. - **Analysis**: Affected by the overall commodity sentiment, it will gradually return to its own fundamentals. The supply - side corporate profit is still high, and the supply pressure will increase. The demand side is weak, and the port inventory is increasing. Overall, it is over - valued and the supply - demand balance is weakening [5]. Urea - **Market Quotes**: On August 1, the 09 contract fell 5 yuan/ton to 1709 yuan/ton, and the spot price fell, with a basis of +41 [7]. - **Analysis**: The supply is slightly decreasing but still at a medium - high level year - on - year. The corporate profit is poor, and the operating rate is expected to increase. The demand side has insufficient export docking and the domestic agricultural demand is entering the off - season. Overall, it is in a low - valuation and weak - supply - demand pattern [7]. Rubber - **Market Quotes**: NR and RU fell significantly, following the trend of industrial products [9]. - **Analysis**: Bulls believe in potential production cuts and improved demand expectations, while bears think the macro outlook is uncertain, demand is in the off - season, and production cuts may be less than expected. The tire factory operating rate decreased, and the inventory is under pressure [9][10]. - **Operation Suggestion**: Considering the expected bearish US non - farm data and the overall decline of industrial products, wait and observe for now. Consider a band - trading strategy of going long on RU2601 and short on RU2509 [12]. PVC - **Market Quotes**: The PVC09 contract fell 26 yuan to 5015 yuan, the Changzhou SG - 5 spot price was 4920 (-30) yuan/ton, the basis was -95 (-4) yuan/ton, and the 9 - 1 spread was -136 (-1) yuan/ton [14]. - **Analysis**: The cost side is stable, the overall operating rate increased, the demand side's downstream operating rate increased slightly, and the inventory increased. It has a situation of strong supply, weak demand, and high valuation [14]. Styrene - **Market Quotes**: The spot price remained unchanged, the futures price fell, and the basis strengthened [16]. - **Analysis**: The short - term macro positive expectations have landed, and the cost side still has support. The BZN spread is at a low level and has room for upward repair. The supply - side operating rate increased, the port inventory increased significantly, and the demand - side operating rate fluctuated upward [16][17]. Polyethylene - **Market Quotes**: The futures price fell, the spot price fell, and the basis weakened [20]. - **Analysis**: The short - term macro positive expectations have landed, and the cost side still has support. The valuation has limited downward space. The trade inventory is at a high level, and the demand side is in the off - season. The price will be determined by the game between the cost side and the supply side in the short term [20]. Polypropylene - **Market Quotes**: The futures price fell, the spot price fell, and the basis weakened [21]. - **Analysis**: The Shandong refinery profit stopped falling and rebounded, and the operating rate is expected to gradually recover. The demand - side operating rate decreased seasonally. The cost side may dominate the market, and the price is expected to fluctuate strongly following crude oil in July [21]. PX - **Market Quotes**: The PX09 contract fell 116 yuan to 6812 yuan, the PX CFR fell 12 dollars to 846 dollars, and the basis was 160 (+18) yuan, with a 9 - 1 spread of 22 (-42) yuan [23]. - **Analysis**: The PX operating rate remains high, the downstream PTA short - term maintenance increased, and the overall operating rate decreased. However, the PTA inventory is low, and the negative feedback pressure on PX is small. It is expected to continue to reduce inventory, and it is recommended to pay attention to the opportunity of going long on dips following crude oil in the short term [24]. PTA - **Market Quotes**: The PTA09 contract fell 64 yuan to 4744 yuan, the East China spot price fell 75 yuan to 4750 yuan, the basis was -13 (+2) yuan, and the 9 - 1 spread was -38 (-6) yuan [25]. - **Analysis**: The PTA operating rate decreased, the downstream operating rate decreased slightly, and the inventory increased. The supply is expected to continue to increase inventory, and it is recommended to pay attention to the opportunity of going long on dips following PX [25]. Ethylene Glycol - **Market Quotes**: The EG09 contract fell 9 yuan to 4405 yuan, the East China spot price fell 23 yuan to 4480 yuan, the basis was 73 (+5) yuan, and the 9 - 1 spread was -34 (-7) yuan [26]. - **Analysis**: The supply - side operating rate decreased slightly, the downstream operating rate decreased slightly, and the port inventory decreased. The fundamental situation is changing from strong to weak, and there is downward pressure on short - term valuation [26].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant information provided. Core Viewpoints - In the fifth week of July, futures sentiment cooled down, and spot prices mostly had small month - on - month declines, but prices were still higher than at the end of June. Food prices reversed from a decline to an increase. Container shipping prices continued to fall, and port cargo volume decreased month - on - month but remained high year - on - year. In the industrial sector, the incremental measures from the Politburo meeting in July were slightly weaker than expected, causing futures sentiment to cool and investment product prices to decline. In the investment sector, typhoon and rainfall affected construction activities, leading to a continued decline in cement prices. In the real estate sector, the end - of - month sales rush for new homes was evident, while second - hand home sales continued to decline, in line with seasonality [4][34]. - For the bond market, short - term implementation of anti - involution policies, price transmission, and the impact of production control on industrial growth are worthy of attention. "Broad credit" disturbances may increase compared to July. Externally, the results of China - US economic and trade negotiations were in line with expectations, and the market reaction was muted. Export resilience remains, but its elasticity is decreasing, and the weakening of "rush exports" may gradually materialize. Internally, the strong futures market last week driven by major infrastructure projects and "anti - involution" led to spot price increases. This week, futures sentiment cooled, and spot demand weakened due to weather conditions. Although industrial product prices generally corrected, they were still higher than before July. In the future, price increase elasticity may be limited in the short term, but the recovery trend is hard to disprove, which may support equity sentiment. Urban renewal may accelerate, and the implementation of policy - based financial instruments is expected. August is the policy effect verification stage, increasing the importance of data observation [4][35]. Summary by Directory Inflation - related - Food prices reversed from a decline to an increase. The wholesale price index of 200 agricultural products and the wholesale price index of basket products increased by 0.05% and 0.03% month - on - month respectively. The average wholesale price of pork decreased by 0.84% month - on - month, while vegetable prices rose, and the decline in fruit prices narrowed [4][10]. Import - Export related - Container shipping prices continued to decline. The CCFI index decreased by 2.3% month - on - month, and the SCFI decreased by 2.6% month - on - month. From July 21st to July 27th, port container throughput and cargo throughput decreased by 6.5% and 4.3% month - on - month respectively, but increased by 11.5% and 13.3% year - on - year. The BDI index decreased by 3.1% month - on - month, and the CDFI index increased by 0.2% month - on - month [12]. Industrial related - The price of thermal coal continued to rise. The price of thermal coal (Q5500) at Qinhuangdao Port increased by 1.4% month - on - month with a narrowing increase. The price of rebar reversed from an increase to a decrease, with a 0.26% month - on - month decline in spot price. The apparent demand for rebar decreased by 6.1% month - on - month, and the year - on - year decline widened to 5.7%. Copper prices decreased month - on - month, affected by the Fed's cautious attitude towards interest rate cuts and the strengthening of the US dollar. Glass prices also reversed from an increase to a decrease as futures market sentiment cooled [14][18][19]. Investment related - Cement prices continued to weaken, with a 1.40% month - on - month decline in the national cement price index and a narrowing decline. In the real estate sector, from July 25th to July 31st, the transaction area of new homes in 30 cities increased by 25% month - on - month but decreased by 15.4% year - on - year. The transaction area of second - hand homes in 17 cities decreased by 4.6% month - on - month but increased by 5.1% year - on - year [20][29]. Consumption - From July 1st to July 27th, passenger car retail sales decreased by 19% month - on - month compared to the same period in June but increased by 9% year - on - year. From July 21st to July 27th, retail sales decreased by 30% month - on - month and increased by 5% year - on - year. Brent and WTI crude oil prices increased by 1.8% and 3.3% month - on - month respectively, boosted by factors such as a trade agreement between the US and Europe and supply - side constraints [30].