Economic Data Summary - In August 2025, the annual inflation rate in the U.S. accelerated to 2.9%, the highest since January, compared to 2.7% in June and July, aligning with market expectations [1] - Food prices saw the largest increase at 3.2%, up from 2.9% the previous month, while used car and truck prices rose by 6%, compared to 4.8% last month [1] - Energy prices increased by 0.2% for the first time in seven months, contrasting with a decline of 1.6% last month [1] - The core inflation rate, excluding volatile food and energy prices, remained steady at 3.1%, with a monthly increase of 0.3% [1] Labor Market Insights - The first-time unemployment claims in the U.S. rose by 27,000 to 263,000, the highest since October 2021, significantly exceeding market expectations of 235,000 [3] - The number of continuing unemployment claims remained at 1.939 million, slightly below the expected 1.95 million but still above the average since 2021 [3] - The disappointing employment data has heightened expectations for a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, shifting the focus from "whether to cut" to "how much to cut" [3] Central Bank Actions - The European Central Bank (ECB) maintained interest rates for the second consecutive meeting, indicating that the process of reducing inflation has "ended," suggesting a potential end to the rate-cutting cycle [5] - The GDP growth forecast for the Eurozone in 2025 was revised upward from 0.9% to 1.2%, while inflation expectations were slightly adjusted upward for 2025 to 2.1% [5] Market Reactions - Gold prices reached a new high at $3,647.1 per ounce, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts, rising inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties [7] - U.S. stock markets saw gains, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 1.36%, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices increased by 0.72% and 0.85%, respectively [9] - Chinese stocks and concepts received positive market sentiment, with the Nasdaq China Golden Dragon Index rising by 2.89%, outperforming the Nasdaq index [9] Conclusion - The combination of rising inflation and weakening labor market data in the U.S. has intensified expectations for an imminent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [10] - The ECB's decision to pause rate cuts and its upward revision of economic forecasts have strengthened the euro against the dollar, contributing to a decline in the dollar index [10] - The market is responding to these economic signals, with a notable increase in risk appetite and capital inflows into Chinese stocks [10]