Group 1 - Silver T+D trading is currently above 8840, opening at 8878 and reaching a high of 8993, indicating a bullish short-term trend [1] - The resistance level for silver T+D is identified in the range of 8780-8800 per kilogram, with a potential test of the psychological level at 9000 if broken [3] - The support level is noted at 8150-8190 per kilogram, with a possibility of retreating to 8000 if this level is breached [3] Group 2 - The Japanese ruling coalition has agreed to include a cash distribution plan in their election promises to help families cope with ongoing inflation [2] - The plan may raise concerns about the government's already strained financial situation, especially with upcoming elections in July [2] - The Japanese Agriculture Minister announced an additional release of 200,000 tons of government rice reserves, with a proposed retail price of 1700 yen per 5 kilograms [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government is investigating the sudden rise in rice prices, which have increased significantly due to factors such as extreme heat and previous natural disaster warnings, leading to consumer panic buying and long queues for government-subsidized rice [2][3]. Group 1: Price Increase and Investigation - Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the sudden spike in rice prices [3]. - Since summer 2024, rice prices in Japan have been on the rise due to poor harvests caused by extreme heat [3]. - The consumer price index for rice showed an increase of 98.4% in April compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase since 1971 [3]. Group 2: Government Response and Consumer Behavior - The Japanese government has started selling reserve rice in limited quantities to stabilize prices, leading to long queues at supermarkets [4][5]. - In Hokkaido, a store sold out 1,000 bags of reserve rice quickly, with each 5-kilogram bag priced at 2,150 yen (approximately 107 RMB), about half the market price [5]. - The government has implemented a direct supply model for reserve rice sales, bypassing middlemen, and has mandated that retailers complete sales by the end of August [5].

Group 1 - Lawson and FamilyMart have started selling government reserve rice in select stores in Tokyo and Osaka [1] - Lawson plans to roll out 1 to 2 kilogram packages of government reserve rice in approximately 13,800 stores, excluding Okinawa, starting from June 14 [1] - FamilyMart is also expanding its sales of government reserve rice nationwide [1]

Energy - Vietnam has signed a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with France [1] - Russia is in deep discussions with Bahrain regarding a liquefied natural gas supply agreement [1] - The US has invited officials from Japan and South Korea to Alaska to discuss cooperation, including a large natural gas pipeline project [1] - HSBC expects OPEC+ to announce an acceleration in supply increases in July, similar to May and June, with a pause in production increases expected in Q1 2026. The forecast for Brent crude oil prices is $68.5 per barrel in 2025 and $65 per barrel in 2026, with increasing downside risks [1] - Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum announced the arrival of a floating storage and regasification unit, ENERGOS POWER, from Germany with a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters, and plans to lease two additional units [1] Precious Metals and Mining - The Democratic Republic of the Congo aims to reach a mineral agreement with the US regarding eastern rebellion by the end of June [2] - The Turkish Finance Minister stated that the country has over $400 billion in unregistered gold reserves, which are not reflected in the banking system and reserves [2] - Citigroup has raised its 0-3 month target price for gold to $3,500 per ounce due to new tariff escalations, expecting gold prices to consolidate between $3,100 and $3,500 per ounce. The target prices for platinum and palladium remain unchanged at $1,050 and $900 per ounce, respectively [2] Agriculture - Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced a new government rice reserve release plan, moving away from bidding to direct contracts with large retailers, with a pre-tax price of 10,700 yen for 60 kilograms of brown rice, which is 47% cheaper than the most recent bid price [2]