Group 1 - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell hinted at potential interest rate cuts in the coming months despite ongoing inflation risks, marking a rare signal for rate reduction this year [1] - Following Powell's remarks, the US dollar index fell, while major US stock indices rose significantly, with the Nasdaq and Dow Jones increasing nearly 2%, and the S&P 500 up by 1.6% [1] - The current high yield of US Treasury bonds, particularly the 10-year yield at around 4.3%, suggests that if the Fed signals rate cuts, bond prices may rise, presenting capital gain opportunities for bondholders [1] Group 2 - The logic behind the current global capital rebalancing is driven by weakening fundamentals in the US, leading the Fed to potentially restart rate cuts, which may redirect funds towards non-US assets with stronger short-term economic prospects [2] - Historical trends indicate that after each round of Fed rate cuts, both A-shares and Hong Kong stocks have generally experienced upward movements, suggesting a similar pattern may occur following the anticipated cuts [2] - The gold market is closely monitoring Powell's statements for insights into future interest rate paths, with current technical analysis indicating that as long as gold prices remain above $3,200 per ounce, the overall upward trend is likely to continue [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) reported a significant increase in investment income for the first half of 2025, reaching HKD 194.4 billion, a rise of 87% compared to HKD 104 billion in the same period of 2024, driven by improved global market conditions, optimized asset allocation strategies, and currency fluctuations [1] Income Composition and Core Drivers - The primary sources of investment income include: - Bond investment income of HKD 75.3 billion, accounting for 39%, mainly from interest income on U.S. Treasury and other high-rated bonds [2] - Total stock investment income of HKD 50.3 billion, with HKD 22.9 billion from Hong Kong stocks and HKD 27.4 billion from other stocks [2] - The Hang Seng Index rose approximately 20% in the first half of 2025, attracting capital inflows into the Hong Kong stock market, while global major stock markets also saw gains due to easing inflation expectations [3] - Foreign exchange valuation adjustments contributed HKD 56.8 billion, making it the largest single contributor, as the U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies [3] - Other investment income totaled HKD 12 billion, including dividends and appreciation from private equity and real estate [2] Asset Scale and Financial Status - As of June 30, 2025, the total assets of the foreign exchange fund reached HKD 429.71 billion, an increase of HKD 21.61 billion from the end of 2024, with cumulative surplus rising to HKD 87.79 billion [5] - The growth reflects the cumulative effect of investment income and positive capital inflows [6] Investment Strategy Adjustments and Long-term Layout - The HKMA has been optimizing asset allocation, reducing the proportion of U.S. dollar assets from over 90% to 79%, and shortening the duration of U.S. Treasury holdings to mitigate interest rate volatility risks [7] - Long-term growth strategies include investments in private equity and real estate, contributing approximately HKD 12 billion in income in the first quarter of 2025 [8] Response to Market Uncertainties - Despite strong performance in the first half of 2025, the HKMA emphasizes the need to remain vigilant against geopolitical risks, tariff disputes, and potential shifts in Federal Reserve policies [9] - The foreign exchange fund will maintain high liquidity and further diversify investments into non-U.S. dollar assets to address potential market volatility [9] - The dynamic adjustment capability of the foreign exchange fund will be crucial for continued value creation in a complex international environment [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the US dollar's dominance, driven by massive national debt and rising inflation, leading to a global financial storm [1][3][8] Group 1: US National Debt and Economic Impact - The US government currently holds a staggering $36 trillion in national debt, with annual interest payments exceeding $1.3 trillion, surpassing the entire military budget [1] - The cost of issuing new debt has risen above 5.3%, exacerbating the debt situation as $9.2 trillion in debt is set to mature this year, necessitating refinancing [1][3] - Inflation remains persistent, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 2.7% in June, while factory orders have declined for three consecutive months, indicating economic pressure [3] Group 2: Federal Reserve's Dilemma - The Federal Reserve, once seen as a stabilizing force, is now caught in a difficult position due to high inflation and political pressure for interest rate cuts [3][5] - The independence of the Federal Reserve is under threat, with public criticism from political figures and congressional scrutiny [5] Group 3: Global Shift in Asset Allocation - Countries are increasingly diversifying their assets away from the dollar, with the People's Bank of China increasing gold reserves for 18 consecutive months, and other nations like India and Saudi Arabia following suit [5] - The global central bank gold reserves have reached a historic high of 3600 tons, reflecting a shift towards tangible assets [5] Group 4: Alternatives to Dollar Transactions - International trade is seeking alternatives to the dollar, with significant transactions in the Chinese yuan and other currencies, such as 18% of Saudi oil exports to China being settled in yuan [5] - The use of stablecoins as a new form of dollar is limited, with 90% still requiring dollar backing, highlighting the ongoing reliance on the dollar [6] Group 5: Consequences of Sanctions - US sanctions have led to unintended consequences, with targeted countries forming alliances and exploring alternative currencies, such as Russia and Iran developing gold-backed cryptocurrencies [8] - The article suggests that the US's financial dominance is waning as the dollar depreciates, revealing the fragility of its hegemonic status [8]

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided Core Viewpoints - The report provides a daily update on the fixed - income market, including price changes of various bonds, new issue mandates, and macro - news. It also analyzes the proposed bond issuance of China Mengniu Dairy [1][8]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Trading Desk Comments - Chinese IGs like BABA/JD/SINOPE 48 - 57s were 0.5 - 1.9pts higher (1 - 15bps tighter). HSBC/STANLN Float 30 - 31s in financials closed 2 - 3bps tighter. SHIKON/NSINTW/CATLIF 33 - 35s in insurance widened 1 - 5bps. S&P assigned Fubon Life A - rating with stable outlook. NIPLIF/MYLIFE 55s and FUKOKU Perp were up 0.1pt. SOCGEN 6.75/LLOYDS 6.413 Perps in AT1s were 0.3 - 0.6pt lower, while INTNED 3.875/HSBC 7.05 Perp were up 0.1 - 0.2pt. BNKEA/NANYAN 34s in HK were unchanged to 2bps wider. HYSAN 7.2 Perp was up 0.5pt, NWDEVL Perps were 0.2 - 0.7pt lower. GRNCH 28/CHIOLI 42 - 43s in Chinese properties were 0.4 - 0.6pt higher, ROADKG 28 - 30s/Perps were unchanged to 0.7pt lower. WESCHI 26/HONGQI 28 were 0.7 - 1.0pt higher. VEDLN 28 - 33s in SE Asia were up 0.2 - 0.5pt, and MONMIN 30 was up 0.8pt [1]. - In CNH space, CHMEDA announced new issue mandates for 5yr and 10yr CNH bonds. Higher - yielding CNH LGFVs like LYGYIH 7.5 27s/SDGAOC 6.9 27s were sought after, and onshore AAA - guaranteed CNH LGFVs like QINLID 5.9 28s/HSIVEH 6.5 28s continued to compress. HAOHUA 28 - 30s tightened 1 - 2bps, MEITUA 30 widened 3bps, DAESEC 27 - 29s widened 1 - 2bps, and LASUDE 26 was up 0.5pt [2][3]. - LIFUNG announced a new issue mandate for a 3.5yr USD bond, and launched a tender offer for LIFUNG 5.25 Perp up to USD50mn at USD55. Pricing of new bonds is expected on 28 Jul'25, and the tender - offer expiration date is on 31 Jul'25. LIFUNG 5.25 Perp was unchanged [3]. - In USD LGFVs, CPDEV 28 was up 0.1pt. Higher - yielding USD names like HBTUID 7.5 26s/XHCTID 7 27s/FZSZJJ 7 28s tightened around 10bps. In SOE perps, CHPWCN Perp was up 0.1pt, SPICPD Perp was down 0.1pt [4]. Last Trading Day's Top Movers | Top Performers | Price | Change | Top Underperformers | Price | Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | JD 4 1/8 01/14/50 | 79.7 | 1.9 | ROADKG 5.9 09/05/28 | 27.5 | - 0.7 | | TSIVMG 1.55 12/17/29 | 71.0 | 1.2 | NWDEVL 10.131 PERP | 35.0 | - 0.7 | | WESCHI 4.95 07/08/26 | 90.4 | 1.0 | SOCGEN 6 3/4 PERP | 98.6 | - 0.6 | | MONMIN 8.44 04/03/30 | 96.7 | 0.8 | ROADKG 6.7 03/30/28 | 28.3 | - 0.6 | | HONGQI 7.05 01/10/28 | 102.8 | 0.7 | ROADKG 6 03/04/29 | 27.5 | - 0.5 | [5] Macro News Recap - On Tuesday, S&P was up 0.06%, Dow was up 0.40%, and Nasdaq was down 0.39%. Trump reached a deal with Japan to set the tariff rate at 15%. US Treasury Secretary will meet China next week to discuss an extension of the 12 Aug'25 tariff deadline on Chinese imports. UST yield was lower, with 2/5/10/30 yield at 3.83%/3.88%/4.35%/4.90% [7]. Desk Analyst Comments - China Mengniu Dairy proposes to issue 5yr and 10yr CNH senior bonds (S&P: BBB+). Considering peers' bonds and adjusting for new - issue premium and credit - rating differential, the FV of new CNH CHMEDA 30 is estimated to be 2.25% vs. IPT of 2.55%, and the FV of new CNH CHMEDA 35 is estimated to be 2.55% vs. IPT of 2.85%. Proceeds will be used for debt refinancing [8]. Mengniu Analysis - Mengniu is a leading Chinese dairy company, ranked in the top 10 globally. It has end - to - end capabilities across the value chain and a traceable digital platform. In FY24, it generated RMB88.7bn revenue, with liquid milk accounting for 82.4%. Gross profit margin rose to 39.6% in FY24, and operating margin improved to 8.2% [11]. - As of Dec'24, Mengniu had a cash balance of RMB32.9bn, total debt of RMB34.6bn (mainly bank loans), and cRMB86bn available credit lines with RMB66.4bn undrawn. Total debt/EBITDA and net debt/EBITDA were 8.0x and 0.4x, and interest - coverage ratio was 3.0x. It has some outstanding bonds, and its liquidity profile is considered manageable [12]. Offshore Asia New Issues - No new offshore Asia issues were priced today [13]. - Pipeline issues include Guotai Junan International Holdings (USD, 3yr, SOFR + 115, -/BBB+/-) and Jiaozuo State - owned Capital Operation (Holding) Group (USD, 3yr, 6.5%, unrated) [14]. News and Market Color - There were 139 credit bonds issued yesterday in onshore primary issuances, amounting to RMB205bn. Month - to - date, 1,473 credit bonds were issued, raising RMB1,582bn, a 19.7% yoy increase. China property loans reached a two - year high. Del Monte seeks approval to sell business by end - September with a USD575mn stalking - horse bid. Foshan R&F Properties auctions 387 units. JD and Meituan invest in humanoid robot startups. Guangzhou Kaisa Center will be auctioned. Fitch assigned BB rating to Li & Fung with stable outlook. Road King requests bond - holders to disclose identities and holdings by 1 Aug'25 4pm CET [16].

Core Viewpoint - Emerging market issuers are entering the euro bond market at the fastest pace in over a decade, driven by strong global demand for non-dollar assets and the need for financing diversification [1][4]. Group 1: Market Trends - As of July 18, emerging market corporations and governments have issued €89 billion in bonds, marking the highest amount for this period since at least 2014 [4]. - Eastern European countries, particularly Poland and Romania, are leading in euro bond issuance, with Poland and Romania together issuing €21 billion [4]. - The euro bond issuance is expected to remain high relative to dollar bonds, despite its smaller share in the total emerging market bond issuance [1][4]. Group 2: Investor Sentiment - Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities outside of dollar-denominated credit, with a preference for euro bonds due to more attractive spreads [5][8]. - Goldman Sachs strategists noted that euro bonds have outperformed their dollar counterparts shortly after issuance, indicating strong market absorption [5]. - The overall demand for emerging market bonds remains robust, driven by the yield advantage over other markets [8]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The trend of euro bond issuance is likely to continue, as investors reassess their strategies in light of potential economic slowdowns in the U.S. and a weakening dollar [5][8]. - Countries like Brazil and Colombia are considering re-entering the euro bond market, reflecting a shift towards euro-denominated financing [8]. - JPMorgan's Weiler emphasized that while the dollar remains the core financing currency for emerging markets, the euro offers significant market depth as an alternative [9].

Core Viewpoint - The gold market is experiencing a rare calm storm, with prices fluctuating within a narrow range, leading to a stalemate between bulls and bears, making technical indicators difficult to interpret [1][3]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Gold prices have been oscillating within a tight range, with daily fluctuations often less than 0.8%, reminiscent of low volatility seen in 2019 [1]. - The trading volume surged by 149% in the first half of the year, indicating high retail investor enthusiasm, while institutional investors have quietly withdrawn, marking the first reversal in five months of capital inflow [1]. - Speculative long positions have reached a 50-year high, suggesting strong bullish sentiment [1]. Group 2: Bullish Factors - Two main bullish factors support gold prices: the impending tariff "bomb" from Trump set to explode on August 1, raising concerns about supply chain disruptions and triggering risk aversion; and a strong trend of central banks increasing their gold reserves, with 90% of central banks indicating plans to do so [1][3]. Group 3: Bearish Factors - Despite potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in September, indications of sustained high-rate policies could pressure gold prices [3]. - Physical demand for gold is quietly weakening, with a 23% month-on-month decline in India's gold imports in June serving as evidence [3]. Group 4: Upcoming Events - Key upcoming events include the release of the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes on July 10, which could significantly impact market sentiment, and the implementation of the tariff policy on August 1, which may reignite risk aversion and push gold prices higher [3]. Group 5: Investment Strategies - In a period of volatility, it is advised to avoid frequent trading within the narrow range of $3320-$3340 due to thin profit margins; hedging strategies, such as pairing with U.S. dollar bonds, are recommended to mitigate volatility [3]. - The significant increase in trading volume of gold VIX options indicates that some institutional investors are actively positioning themselves [3]. Group 6: Divergent Institutional Outlook - Institutional investor expectations for gold prices diverge significantly, with some predicting a rise to $3600 due to geopolitical risks and central bank purchases, while others foresee a decline to $2500-$2700 by 2026, suggesting that the market has already priced in rate cut expectations [5]. - The Chinese central bank's pause in gold purchases in March has caused market tremors, with emerging market central banks becoming increasingly sensitive to gold purchase costs [5]. Group 7: Market Pressure - The gold market is likened to a pressure cooker, with the Federal Reserve's policy fluctuations and the countdown to the tariff "bomb" increasing market pressure; prolonged consolidation of moving averages may lead to a stronger breakout in the future [6].

Core Viewpoint - Standard Chartered Bank's report emphasizes a positive outlook on global equities while being cautious about the US dollar's strength, suggesting a shift towards risk assets due to expected dollar weakness [2][3]. Global Stock Outlook - The bank continues to favor global stocks, particularly increasing the allocation to Asian equities (excluding Japan) due to the anticipated weakening of the dollar, which is expected to attract more capital into emerging markets [3][11]. - The chief investment officer for North Asia at Standard Chartered highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the global investment environment, with a structural risk of "de-dollarization" gaining attention [4]. Fixed Income Strategy - Standard Chartered expects the dollar's decline to enhance the appeal of emerging market local currency bonds, maintaining an overweight position in these assets [7]. - The bank views global bonds as a core portfolio component, favoring emerging market local currency government bonds while underweighting developed market investment-grade corporate bonds due to high valuations and economic uncertainty [9]. Currency Perspective - The bank predicts that cyclical factors will lead to a weaker dollar over the next 6-12 months, with the euro and yen likely benefiting from this trend [13]. - Despite the dollar's ongoing dominance, there are signs of a gradual erosion of its position due to changing trade flows and structural debt concerns [14][15]. Gold and Diversification - The report notes that gold is becoming increasingly attractive as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, with central banks, especially in emerging markets, increasing their gold purchases [18][19]. - According to a survey by the World Gold Council, 76% of central banks believe that gold's share in global reserves will rise over the next five years, up from 69% in the previous year [18].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report is centered around "Dollar Shift: Strategic Decision-Making," emphasizing the favorable conditions for risk assets due to global policy easing, a likely soft landing for the US economy, and a weakening dollar [1][4][21] - The report recommends an overweight position in global equities, particularly increasing the allocation to Asian (excluding Japan) stocks, while maintaining a positive outlook on US stocks due to strong earnings [1][4][21] - In the bond market, the report anticipates a weaker dollar and favors 5-7 year US dollar bonds, as well as an overweight position in emerging market local currency bonds, which are expected to benefit from a soft dollar and potential interest rate cuts by emerging market central banks [1][4][29] Group 2 - The macroeconomic outlook suggests an increased probability of a soft landing for the US economy, with expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in the second half of 2025, supported by loose monetary and fiscal policies [2][4][30] - Gold is highlighted as an important diversification tool, with central bank demand expected to support its price, especially when bonds may not perform well [2][30] - The report discusses various asset allocation models, multi-asset income strategies, and insights on client concerns, providing a multi-dimensional analysis of the global market [2][4][46] Group 3 - The report indicates that the dollar is expected to weaken over the next 6-12 months, benefiting the euro, yen, and pound, while the Swiss franc may remain range-bound [1][24][29] - Historical data suggests that a weak dollar typically supports stock performance, particularly for non-US equities, leading to a positive outlook for global stock markets [1][25][28] - The report emphasizes the importance of diversification in investment strategies, particularly in light of potential volatility and geopolitical risks [1][4][30]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investment opportunities in the second half of 2025, highlighting a positive outlook for the Chinese stock market and the need for diversified asset allocation in a weak dollar scenario [2]. Group 1: Investment Strategies for Chinese Markets - A-shares and H-shares are expected to maintain a high-level oscillation pattern, with potential upward space due to improved fundamentals and profit expectations [12][11]. - The technology sector, particularly in 5G, robotics, and AI applications, is anticipated to yield excess returns, supported by increased capital inflow from southbound funds [12][11]. - A "barbell" strategy is recommended, focusing on high-dividend state-owned enterprises as defensive assets while also investing in technology and consumer sectors [13][14]. Group 2: Currency Outlook - The RMB is projected to appreciate moderately with two-way fluctuations, supported by a stable domestic economy and potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [15][18]. - The current account surplus is expected to maintain around 1% of GDP, providing a solid foundation for RMB stability [15][18]. Group 3: Macroeconomic Policy Predictions - Fiscal policy will focus on growth support and structural optimization, with an emphasis on social welfare, green transition, and new productivity [17]. - Monetary policy is likely to remain moderately loose, with potential for one interest rate cut and one reserve requirement ratio cut within the year [18][19]. Group 4: Impact of U.S. Policies - The "Big and Beautiful" Act may raise concerns about U.S. fiscal sustainability, potentially leading to increased market volatility and long-term economic challenges [21][22]. - The Federal Reserve's focus may shift from inflation control to growth preservation, with expected interest rate cuts in the latter half of 2025 [22][23]. Group 5: Global Asset Allocation Strategies - A declining dollar index may relieve global debt burdens and shift capital flows towards non-dollar assets, increasing demand for gold, euros, and RMB [25][26]. - A diversified global stock allocation is recommended, with an emphasis on emerging markets and alternative investments as attractive options [26][27].

Group 1 - Emerging market currencies and stocks have declined due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision, with indices dropping over 0.4% before narrowing to a 0.1% decline at close [1] - The South African rand, Hungarian forint, and South Korean won were among the worst performers, each depreciating over 1% against the US dollar, while the Israeli shekel dropped as much as 0.8% before recovering [1] - The market is under pressure from risk aversion due to geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's decisions [1][3] Group 2 - Despite recent declines, fund managers believe that the strong performance of emerging markets relative to US assets will continue, as the risks from the conflict are not expected to be deep or prolonged [4] - Emerging markets are expected to outperform other markets in macroeconomic growth this year and next, with international investors recognizing the need to diversify their investments [7]