Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The further decline of US Treasury yields before September may be primarily driven by weaker economic data leading to higher expectations of interest rate cuts, or by the "see - saw effect" triggered by the weakness of other assets. The 10 - year yield is expected to fluctuate at a low level in the range of 4.00 - 4.30%, but inflation and the "Big and Beautiful" Act may impede the decline of long - term yields [4][14]. - In the two - week period from July 18 to August 1, 2025, affected by the US July non - farm payroll report, global investors' risk - aversion increased, resulting in a double - kill situation in the US stock and bond markets. Different asset classes showed various trends, including significant declines in US and UK government bond yields, a new high in the Japanese stock market, a slump in the US stock market, an upward trend in the coking coal index, a decline in Chicago agricultural product futures prices, and a depreciation of the ruble and the euro [5][15]. Summary According to the Directory 1. What Conditions are Needed for the Further Decline of US Treasury Yields? - **Monetary Policy**: At the July FOMC meeting, the interest rate and other monetary policies remained at the June level, in line with market expectations. Waller and Bowman voted against interest rate cuts, citing signs of weakness in the labor market, and Kugler, who was set to leave early, did not attend or vote. Kugler's early departure may increase Trump's influence on the Fed and lead to more divided views within the Fed [1][10]. - **Growth**: Q2 GDP showed a quarter - on - quarter increase of 3.0%, but the main drivers were a decline in imports and accelerated consumer spending. Private consumption and investment weakened, with PDFP growing by 1.2% quarter - on - quarter, lower than the 1.9% in Q1 [2][10]. - **Inflation**: In June, inflationary pressures emerged, with CPI at 2.7%, core CPI at 2.9%, PCE at 2.6%, and core PCE at 2.8%, all reaching the highest levels since March [2][10]. - **Employment**: In July, the ADP employment figure rebounded unexpectedly, but the non - farm payroll data was disappointing, with significant downward revisions to previous months' data. The unemployment rate rose from 4.1% to 4.2%, which greatly disrupted the interest rate market expectations, causing the 1 - year yield to decline by about 17bp on August 1 [2][11]. - **Policy Stance**: Some Fed presidents still recognize the resilience of the economy and employment and maintain a restrictive monetary policy stance, denying the risk of recession and affirming the risk of stagflation [3][12]. 2. Bi - weekly Overseas Macro - analysis - **Interest Rates**: In the past two weeks, US Treasury yields declined significantly, with the 1 - year and 10 - year yields both dropping 21bp to 3.87% and 4.23% respectively. Affected by US Treasuries, UK government bond yields also declined on August 1, increasing investors' risk - aversion [5][16]. - **Equities**: The Japanese stock market reached a new high, with the Nikkei 225 index rising 2.46% in the past two weeks, driven by the US - Japan trade agreement on July 23. However, trading volume was low in July. The US stock market slumped after the release of the July non - farm payroll report, with the Nasdaq index dropping 2.29% on the night of the report release [17]. - **Commodities**: The coking coal index rose 12.07% in the past two weeks after the central government emphasized governance of low - price and disorderly competition in the coal industry. Chicago agricultural product futures prices fell across the board, pressured by high expectations of a bumper US autumn harvest [18]. - **Foreign Exchange**: The ruble depreciated by 3.44% in the past two weeks after the Russian central bank cut interest rates by 200 basis points on July 25. The euro fell 1.24% due to the impact of the US - EU trade agreement and a decline in investor confidence [19]. 3. Market Tracking - The report presents multiple charts, including the bi - weekly fluctuations of global major economies' government bond yields, global major stock indices, major commodities, and global major foreign exchange rates (against the RMB), as well as the latest economic data panels of the US, Japan, and the Eurozone, and the yield curves and inflation trends of US, Japanese, and German government bonds [24][28][30][32][35][41][45].

Core Viewpoint - President Trump's dissatisfaction with Russia's failure to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine has led him to shorten the previously set 50-day deadline to approximately 10 to 12 days, threatening to impose "secondary sanctions" on Russia if no progress is made [1][2][5] Group 1: Market Reactions - Following Trump's statements, international crude oil futures saw a significant increase, with WTI crude rising to $67.06, up over 2.9%, and Brent crude reaching $70.35, up nearly 2.8% [2] - The Russian ruble weakened against the dollar, dropping below 81.00 and falling over 2%, marking a new low since mid-May [5] - Market concerns about potential supply disruptions due to sanctions have intensified, with traders reassessing risks related to transportation costs and supply chain changes [8] Group 2: Sanctions and Trade Implications - Trump's threat of "secondary sanctions" could impact major buyers of Russian oil, such as India and China, as it may lead to sanctions on countries doing business with sanctioned entities [5][7] - The potential for a 100% tariff on Russian goods, including oil, was previously mentioned, indicating a significant escalation in trade tensions [6] - Trump's remarks about Russia's rich rare earth resources suggest a potential area for trade, although the current geopolitical climate complicates such discussions [5] Group 3: Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Prospects - Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have faced setbacks, with Trump expressing frustration over the lack of sincerity from Putin in negotiations [9] - NATO allies, including Germany, are increasing pressure on Russia and enhancing military support for Ukraine, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive stance against Russian actions [9] - Despite some minor diplomatic exchanges, such as prisoner swaps, there has been no substantial progress towards ending the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022 [9]

Core Viewpoint - The trading activity of the Chinese yuan on the Moscow Exchange has significantly increased in June, but the average daily trading volume remains below 100 billion rubles, indicating a recovery from a previous low rather than sustained growth [1][2]. Group 1: Trading Activity - In June, the total trading volume of "next-day delivery" yuan exceeded 1.58 trillion rubles, a 13% increase from May [2]. - The average daily trading volume also grew nearly 13% to 800 billion rubles, although it is still significantly lower than the levels seen in February and March, when daily trading volumes exceeded 1 trillion rubles [2]. - The increase in trading activity in June is attributed to higher oil prices at the end of the first quarter, which led to increased foreign exchange income for exporters [2]. Group 2: Currency Exchange Rate - By the end of June, the yuan's exchange rate was 1 yuan to 10.92 rubles, a slight increase of 2 kopecks from the beginning of the month [3]. - The exchange rate fluctuated within a narrow range of 10.8 to 11 rubles per yuan during June, indicating a stabilization in the market [3]. - Analysts expect that the yuan's supply from exporters may decrease in July due to falling oil prices in April and May, which could lead to reduced foreign exchange sales [3]. Group 3: Future Predictions - Experts predict that the ruble will gradually depreciate in the second half of the year, with the average exchange rate expected to reach approximately 1 yuan to 11.7 rubles and 1 dollar to 85 rubles by the fourth quarter [4]. - Factors contributing to the ruble's depreciation include seasonal import demand, increased foreign exchange spending for summer travel, and potential interest rate cuts by the Central Bank of Russia [4]. - Analysts believe that the yuan's exchange rate will rise in the second half of the year, while the ruble will experience moderate depreciation due to seasonal factors and monetary policy [4].

Group 1 - The dollar index has fallen below 100, while the 30-year Treasury yield has surged past 5%, leading to an additional $50 billion in annual interest payments [2] - The U.S. is experiencing a wave of de-dollarization, primarily driven by actions from the Trump administration, including a recent executive order imposing 100% tariffs on key exports from 23 countries [2][4] - Countries like Russia, Brazil, and Iran are increasingly using alternative currencies for trade, with 92.3% of Russia's trade with BRICS partners now settled in currencies other than the dollar [4] Group 2 - The U.S. sanctions have prompted a significant shift away from the dollar, with China selling $74 billion in U.S. Treasuries, marking a 16-year low in holdings [4] - The SPFS system in Russia, which bypasses SWIFT, is now connected to 159 countries, indicating a growing trend towards alternative payment systems [5] - The dollar's share in global foreign exchange reserves has dropped below 55%, the lowest level since 1995, signaling a decline in dollar dominance [7]

Core Viewpoint - A silent financial revolution is unfolding globally, with multiple countries moving away from the US dollar towards local currency settlements, initiated by Russia and followed by China, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia [1][4]. Group 1: Impact of Sanctions on Global Financial Systems - The freezing of approximately $300 billion of Russian foreign reserves by the US and its allies marked a significant shock to the global financial system, demonstrating the vulnerability of assets held in the dollar system [3][5]. - The International Monetary Fund reported a decline in the dollar's share of global foreign exchange reserves from 71.14% in 2000 to 57.8% in 2024, indicating a growing trend of countries distancing themselves from dollar dominance [7]. Group 2: Shift to Local Currency Settlements - Russia's "ruble settlement order" mandated that natural gas trade with "unfriendly countries" must be conducted in rubles, leading to European countries reluctantly opening ruble accounts to facilitate payments [9]. - Brazil's decision to implement direct trade settlements in local currencies with China in March 2023 marked a significant shift in Latin America, challenging the necessity of the dollar as an intermediary [10][12]. - India's establishment of a local currency settlement mechanism with the UAE and subsequent agreements with 18 other countries to support trade in rupees reflects a strategic move to create a currency trade network independent of the dollar [14]. Group 3: Changes in Oil Trade Dynamics - Saudi Arabia's decision not to renew its 50-year oil dollar agreement has raised concerns about the future of the dollar's role in oil pricing, with reports suggesting a potential shift to transactions in yuan [16][20]. - The implementation of "oil-for-goods" agreements between Iran and Iraq signifies a growing trend of bypassing dollar settlements in oil trade, establishing new trade paradigms in the Middle East [22]. Group 4: Digital Currency Innovations - Russia's adoption of a digital currency for cross-border payments, effective from September 2024, represents a significant technological shift that could undermine traditional banking systems and US financial oversight [24]. - The mBridge project, involving multiple countries, aims to facilitate direct digital currency cross-border payments, further reducing reliance on the dollar [24][26].

Core Viewpoint - The Eurasian Development Bank's report predicts that the Russian economy will maintain a high growth level in 2025, but risks in the energy export sector cannot be ignored [1] Economic Characteristics - Economic Cooling: In Q1 2025, Russia's GDP grew by 1.4% year-on-year, a decline from 4.3% in 2024, marking the lowest growth in the past seven quarters. Industrial production remains the main driver of GDP growth, contributing approximately 0.3 percentage points [1] - Domestic Demand Slowdown: Retail, catering, and service sectors saw a 3.2% year-on-year increase in total turnover in Q1 2025, down from 6.5% in 2024. The unemployment rate stood at 2.3%, maintaining historical lows. However, high-interest rates have shifted consumer behavior towards saving, leading to a slowdown in consumption and investment activities [2] - Ruble Appreciation: The ruble appreciated over 20% against the dollar from December 2024 to May 2025, reaching its highest level since the second half of 2023. This appreciation is attributed to high-interest monetary policy and improved geopolitical expectations, although it negatively impacts exports and budget revenues [2] Economic Forecast - GDP Growth: The bank forecasts a 2% GDP growth for Russia in 2025, slightly lower than previous predictions, primarily due to weak economic performance in Q1. High-interest rates will continue to limit consumption and investment, while declining global market demand will negatively affect exports [3] - Inflation Outlook: The consumer price index (CPI) is expected to slow to 7.5% in 2025, but persistent high inflation expectations and budget spending will likely keep inflation above the central bank's target [3] - Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Russia is expected to maintain a cautious monetary policy stance to gradually reduce inflation, with the key interest rate projected to drop to around 18% by the end of 2025 and further to about 10% by the end of 2027 [3] Currency Exchange Rate - Ruble Exchange Rate: The average exchange rate for USD to RUB in 2025 is projected to be 90. High-interest rates will support the ruble, but falling oil prices and reduced exports may create conditions for ruble depreciation in the second half of the year [4] Risks - Major Risks: The main risks to the Russian economy over the next three years include a significant and sustained drop in oil prices, which could lead to reduced export revenues and increased budget deficits. The government may need to seek additional financing sources through domestic financial markets to cover budget expenditures [4]

Group 1: U.S. Global Military Presence - The U.S. has approximately 750 military facilities in over 80 countries, with a permanent troop presence of around 170,000, making it the most extensive military network globally [4] - The establishment of military bases has been a strategy to consolidate U.S. global hegemony, particularly in regions of strategic interest such as Europe and the Middle East [6][9] - Recent strategic adjustments include the withdrawal of troops from non-core interest areas, such as Niger and Chad, reflecting the challenges and costs associated with maintaining a vast military presence [9][10] Group 2: Economic and Financial Dynamics - The U.S. dollar has been a crucial pillar of American hegemony, serving as the world's primary reserve currency, allowing the U.S. to exert significant economic influence [10][12] - The U.S. federal debt reached $33 trillion by the end of 2023 and is projected to rise to $35 trillion in 2024, exceeding 122% of GDP, indicating a severe fiscal challenge [12][14] - Many countries are actively seeking to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar, exploring alternative currencies for trade and investment, which could undermine the dollar's dominance [14] Group 3: Domestic Challenges - The U.S. faces significant internal issues, including political polarization and social unrest, which have been exacerbated by economic disparities and a lack of trust in government [17][18][20] - The widening wealth gap is evident, with the top 1% controlling 38.6% of the nation's wealth, while the bottom 50% holds only 2.4% [20] - The manufacturing sector is experiencing a decline, with its GDP share dropping from approximately 12% in 2008 to below 10% in 2024, indicating a trend of industrial hollowing out [20]

Core Viewpoint - The future trajectory of the Russian ruble will be influenced by upcoming monetary policy decisions [1] Group 1 - The Russian Minister of Economic Development has indicated that the performance of the ruble is contingent upon future monetary policy actions [1]

Group 1 - The Russian ruble has reached its highest exchange rate against the US dollar in two years, trading at 80.2237 rubles per dollar, driven by expectations of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv and a decrease in domestic demand for foreign currency [1][3] - The ruble has appreciated over 40% this year in the global over-the-counter market, outperforming gold and becoming the best-performing asset [1] - The Central Bank of Russia reported a gradual decline in demand for foreign currency, reaching its lowest level since sanctions were imposed on Moscow's trading platforms, despite a 2% drop in foreign currency sales related to exports [3] Group 2 - A delegation of experienced technical experts from the Kremlin is set to participate in negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, although key leaders like Presidents Trump and Putin will not attend [3] - The Central Bank of Russia maintains a record high benchmark interest rate to curb inflation, creating a favorable environment for arbitrage trading and the appreciation of the ruble [3] - The expectation of improved geopolitical conditions, stable currency supply from exporters, and high interest rates have supported the ruble's rise [3]