Geopolitical Developments & Market Impact - A 20-point proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, agreed upon by U S President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, awaits Hamas approval, potentially impacting regional stability and oil markets [1][5][38] - Qatar's role as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas is crucial for the ceasefire, requiring a face-saving gesture, such as Israel expressing regret for a past attack [8][9][10] - The Israeli Shekel has strengthened against the USD by approximately 10% this year, reflecting the impact of geopolitical developments on local markets [46] - RBA (澳大利亚储备银行) holds cash rate at 36%, notes uncertainties in global environment and upside risks to inflation [40][41][42][43] Economic & Financial Market Trends - Looming U S government shutdown raises market risk, potentially delaying crucial jobs data release and impacting monetary policy assessment [2][3][23][25][44] - Gold hits record highs, massively outperforming Bitcoin, driven by uncertainty and a pullback in USD, with potential for further gains amid Fed rate cuts [3][4][23][32][33][44] - The market has aggressively priced in 3-4 rate cuts by June 2026, making upcoming jobs market data pivotal for determining monetary policy [27] - Potential tariffs on imports of timber and lumber, particularly impacting Canada, add to market uncertainty [23][39] - MSCI China is logging five-month gains, the longest streak since 2018, driven by better-than-expected PMI data and geopolitical signals [48] Energy Sector - Brent crude oil is slipping down by 08% ahead of the OPEC Plus meeting, where increased supply is expected [4] - The oil market is bearish due to well-supplied conditions, with focus on Iran snapback and Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to investment in gold over oil [52][53] - Afentra is cautious about oil price volatility, focusing on a strong balance sheet and strategic acquisitions [64][65][66] - Nigeria's government intervenes to resolve a clash between the petroleum and natural gas association and oil labor group, potentially impacting crude production of 650 thousand barrels a day [76][77][78]

Oil declined on signals that OPEC+ will hike production again in November, tempering a strong rally last week. Brent fell back below $70 a barrel after closing at the highest level since late July on Friday. The OPEC+ alliance led by Saudi Arabia is considering raising output by at least as much as the 137,000 barrel-a-day hike scheduled for next month, according to people familiar with the plans. Most Read from Bloomberg While such an increase could add supply to a market in which there’s already expec ...

Group 1 - Crude oil futures are rising due to ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities and potential Russian fuel export restrictions to meet domestic needs [1][2] - WTI crude oil prices increased by 2.2% to $63.64 per barrel, while Brent crude rose by 1.9% to $67.86 per barrel [2]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on **Global Commodities**, particularly the volatility carry strategies in the commodities market, as the worst tariff and geopolitical shocks are believed to be behind us [1][2][22]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Volatility Carry Strategies**: There are opportunities in commodities volatility carry QIS (Quantitative Investment Strategies) as volatility premia are expected to recover. This is attributed to a structural imbalance between volatility buying and selling in commodities compared to other asset classes [2][10]. - **Market Conditions**: The current macro backdrop is seen as favorable for volatility carry strategies, with expectations of a shift into a "Goldilocks" regime, which historically has led to better performance for commodities volatility carry strategies [5][26]. - **Performance of Strategies**: Volatility carry strategies have faced challenges in 2025 due to negative volatility premia caused by tariff and geopolitical shocks, but there is optimism for recovery as these shocks subside [4][24]. - **Specific Commodity Considerations**: - **Oil**: Brent has historically higher volatility premia than WTI due to geopolitical risks and hedging activities [31]. - **Gold**: Weekly options have shown better performance than monthly options due to increased liquidity and demand for short-term optionality [41][36]. - **Copper**: The market is expected to stabilize following tariff clarity, which should benefit volatility carry strategies [44]. Additional Important Content - **Quantitative Research Findings**: The quant research team has confirmed the continuation of a "Normal" macro regime, with potential for a shift to "Goldilocks," which is favorable for commodities volatility carry strategies [5][26]. - **Geopolitical Risks**: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and US sanctions on Russian oil are noted as risks that could impact crude oil volatility [23]. - **Seasonality in Curve Carry Strategies**: Curve carry strategies have been highlighted as top performers among major commodities QIS YTD, with expectations for continued positive returns into Q4 due to strong seasonal trends [7][48]. Data and Figures - **Volatility Dashboard**: The report includes a dashboard showing the current implied and realized volatility levels across various commodities, indicating a return to positive volatility premia for most major commodities [11][19]. - **Historical Performance**: Historical data suggests that volatility carry strategies tend to perform better under stable macro conditions, with significant underperformance during periods of heightened uncertainty, such as the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic [15][24]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook for the commodities market and volatility carry strategies.

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views Chlor - Alkali Industry - **Caustic Soda**: Last week, the caustic soda futures stopped falling and stabilized, with a sharp rebound on Friday. Next week, the supply is expected to increase, and the operating rate of sample manufacturers will rise. The profit margin of domestic alumina enterprises is narrowing, and the support for spot prices is weak. The inventory in North China is rising, while that in East China is falling. In the Shandong market, due to the approaching National Day holiday, there may be a price cut in the short - term [2]. - **PVC**: Last week, the PVC futures rebounded due to macro - warming, but the supply - demand contradiction is still difficult to ease. Next week, the output is expected to increase as many enterprises finish maintenance. The downstream demand is limited, and the procurement enthusiasm is average. The cost provides bottom - support. It is expected that PVC will stop falling and stabilize in September - October [2]. Urea Industry The urea futures are weakly declining. The supply may increase, and the demand from the autumn fertilizer market and industry is weak. The export new orders are limited. If there is no export surge or early shutdown of gas - based plants, the price may fall below 1,550 yuan/ton [7]. Pure Benzene - Styrene Industry - **Pure Benzene**: The weekly supply - demand of pure benzene is weak. In September, the supply may remain at a high level, and the demand support is weak. The price driving force is weak. The strategy for BZ2603 is to follow the styrene fluctuations [13]. - **Styrene**: The weekly supply - demand of styrene is also weak. The strategy is to be bearish on the absolute price rebound of EB11, and expand the spread between EB11 and BZ11 at a low level, but the driving force is limited [13]. PX - PTA - MEG Industry - **PX**: The supply of PX may increase due to short - process capacity increase and postponed maintenance. The demand is affected by PTA maintenance. The price is under pressure, and the basis boost is limited [17]. - **PTA**: The processing fee of PTA is low, and new device production is postponed. The demand is in the peak season, but the basis and processing fee repair drive is insufficient. The absolute price follows the cost [17]. - **MEG**: The supply - demand of MEG is gradually weakening. In the short - term, the import is not high, and the basis is oscillating at a high level. In the long - term, it will enter the inventory accumulation period in the fourth quarter [17]. - **Short - fiber**: The short - fiber supply is high, and the demand is limited during the peak season. The price has support at the low level, but the rebound drive is limited [17]. - **Bottle chips**: The bottle chip device restart and shutdown coexist. The downstream replenishment supports the price and processing fee, but the increase is limited [17]. Polyolefin Industry PP production has decreased due to losses in PDH and external propylene procurement routes, and the inventory has declined. PE maintenance has reached a peak, and the operating rate is rising. The upper - middle stream inventory has decreased. North American import offers are increasing. The inventory accumulation pressure of 01 contract is large, limiting the upside [22]. Methanol Industry The market is trading high inventory and fast Iranian loading. The coastal inventory has reached a historical high, the market sentiment is poor, and the price is weak. The domestic supply is at a high level year - on - year, and the demand is weak. The overall valuation is neutral. The market is swinging between high inventory and overseas gas - limit expectations. Attention should be paid to the inventory turning point [30][32]. Crude Oil Industry Last week, oil prices fluctuated weakly. The geopolitical premium has declined, and the market focuses on the weak supply - demand fundamentals. The supply is expected to be in surplus, and the demand is weak. The short - term oil prices are under pressure. Unilateral trading is recommended to wait and see, with SC resistance at 505 - 510, Brent at 68 - 69, and WTI at 64 - 65. Arbitrage is recommended to be long - spread, and options are recommended to buy put options [40]. 3. Summaries by Relevant Catalogs Chlor - Alkali Industry - **Spot and Futures Prices**: On September 19, compared with the previous day, the prices of some products such as SH2509, SH2601, V2509, and V2601 increased, while the basis and spreads of some products changed [2]. - **Overseas Quotes and Export Profits**: The FOB price of caustic soda in East China ports increased, and the export profit increased significantly. The export profit of PVC decreased [2]. - **Supply**: The operating rates of the caustic soda and PVC industries decreased [2]. - **Demand**: The operating rates of some downstream industries of caustic soda and PVC increased [2]. - **Inventory**: The inventory of some products such as liquid caustic soda in Shandong and PVC total social inventory changed [2]. Urea Industry - **Supply**: The daily and weekly production of urea, and the operating rate of production plants are provided. The supply may increase [7]. - **Demand**: The demand from the autumn fertilizer market and industry is weak, and the export new orders are limited [7]. - **Inventory**: The weekly inventory of urea in factories and ports is provided [7]. Pure Benzene - Styrene Industry - **Upstream Prices and Spreads**: The prices of crude oil, naphtha, ethylene, etc. decreased. The prices of pure benzene and styrene also decreased. The spreads and import profits changed [13]. - **Inventory**: The weekly inventory of pure benzene and styrene in Jiangsu ports decreased [13]. - **Industry Operating Rates**: The operating rates of some industries in the pure benzene - styrene chain changed [13]. PX - PTA - MEG Industry - **Upstream Prices and Spreads**: The prices of crude oil, naphtha, MX, etc. decreased. The prices of PX, PTA, and MEG also decreased. The spreads and basis changed [15][17]. - **Industry Operating Rates and Inventory**: No relevant content provided. Polyolefin Industry - **Futures and Spot Prices**: The prices of L2601, L2509, PP2601, and PP2509 decreased. The basis and spreads changed [22]. - **Inventory**: The enterprise and social inventories of PE and PP changed [22]. - **Operating Rates**: The operating rates of PE and PP plants and downstream industries changed [22]. Methanol Industry - **Prices and Spreads**: The prices of MA2601 and MA2509 changed. The basis and regional spreads changed [30]. - **Inventory**: The enterprise and social inventories of methanol changed [30]. - **Operating Rates**: The operating rates of upstream and downstream industries of methanol changed [30]. Crude Oil Industry - **Crude Oil and Product Prices and Spreads**: The prices of Brent, WTI, and SC changed. The prices of refined oil products and their spreads also changed [38]. - **Market Analysis**: The oil prices are under pressure due to supply - demand imbalance and weakening geopolitical support [40].

Group 1 - Oil prices eased after a three-day advance, with Brent around $68 a barrel following a 3.2% gain in previous sessions, as traders assess the impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision [1][3] - The recent oil price gains have not been sufficient to break out of the $5 band it has been in for most of the past month and a half, influenced by geopolitical tensions and bearish fundamentals [2] - OPEC+ supply is expected to increase, raising predictions of a potential glut later in the year, while rising oil tanker earnings indicate higher output [2] Group 2 - The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a quarter-point interest rate cut, with the market also pricing in three additional cuts by April [3][4] - A recent industry report indicated a decline in U.S. crude inventories by 3.4 million barrels last week, which would mark the largest drop in a month if confirmed by official data [4] - Brent's second-month implied volatility has decreased, reaching its lowest level in over three weeks, as prices remain within a narrow range since early August [5]

Last Updated: 8 hours ago Oil Futures Ease After String of Gains By Anthony Harrup, Dow Jones Newswires Oil futures are treading water after rising the previous three sessions on concerns about Russian supply disruptions, with market moves limited ahead of the Fed's interest-rate decision. CONCLUDED Stock Market News From Sept. 17, 2025: Dow Gains After Fed Decision The API reported a 3.4 million barrel decline in U.S. crude inventories, analysts note, but also a bigger-than- expected build in diesel stocks ...

Report Information - Industry: Crude Oil [1] - Date: September 11, 2025 [2] Core View - Geopolitical situation has not affected crude oil supply, and the market is calmer after the Israel-Iran conflict. OPEC+ continues to increase production, which is marginally bearish, so the outlook for oil prices is mainly bearish [7] Market Review and Operation Suggestions - **Market Quotes**: WTI's opening price was $61.80, closing at $62.19, with a high of $62.98, a low of $61.73, a rise of 0.93%, and a trading volume of 12.62 million lots. Brent's opening price was $66.23, closing at $66.53, with a high of $67.38, a low of $66.12, a rise of 0.77%, and a trading volume of 30.92 million lots. SC's opening price was 483 yuan/barrel, closing at 486.2 yuan/barrel, with a high of 489.4 yuan/barrel, a low of 481.9 yuan/barrel, a rise of 0.58%, and a trading volume of 10.34 million lots [6] - **News**: Israel raided Qatar to target Hamas leaders, but oil prices showed a pattern of rising and then falling. OPEC+ members submitted a new compensation production cut plan, reducing this year's production cut and strengthening that of 2026, with an overall increase in the total production cut. Kazakhstan's production cut will increase sharply after February 2026, but its implementation is questionable, which is bearish for the near - term supply side. OPEC+ decided to increase production by 137,000 barrels per day starting from October to gradually lift the 1.65 million barrels per day production cut agreed in April 2023. The production increase rate has slowed down, and it is expected to take one year to fully reach the 1.65 million barrels per day increase. Since the market is in a supply - surplus situation in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2026, the production increase is still marginally bearish for the oil market fundamentals [6][7] Industry News - The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that more sanctions should be imposed on Russia, including accelerating the phase - out of Russian fossil fuels and considering sanctions on the oil shadow fleet and third countries [8] - Deutsche Bank expects the WTI crude oil price to remain at $62 per barrel, $3 lower than Brent (the previous forecast for 2026 was $67) [8] - HSBC maintains its forecast of $65 per barrel for Brent crude oil in the fourth quarter of 2025, but the downside risk due to increased market supply surplus is rising [8] - According to the Financial Times, Trump has asked the EU to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian crude oil [8] Data Overview - The report presents multiple data charts, including global high - frequency crude oil inventory, EIA crude oil inventory, US crude oil production growth rate, Dtd Brent price, WTI spot price, Oman spot price, US gasoline consumption, and US diesel consumption, with data sources from EIA, Bloomberg, and Wind [11][12][15]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report provides insights into various asset classes including equities, fixed income, foreign exchange (FX), and commodities, with a focus on market sentiment and positioning as of August 29, 2025. Key Highlights Equities - **S&P 500**: Closed at 6,460, with a forecast range for Q2 2026 between 4,900 (bear) and 7,200 (bull), indicating a potential return of -22.9% in a bear case and 12.7% in a bull case [3][7]. - **MSCI Europe**: Closed at 2,198, with a forecast range of 1,610 (bear) to 2,620 (bull), showing a bear case return of -23.6% and a bull case return of 22.4% [3]. - **Topix**: Closed at 3,075, with a forecast range of 2,100 (bear) to 3,250 (bull), indicating a bear case return of -29.5% [3]. - **MSCI Emerging Markets (EM)**: Closed at 1,258, with a forecast range of 870 (bear) to 1,360 (bull), showing a bear case return of -28.4% [3]. Foreign Exchange (FX) - **Japanese Yen (JPY)**: Forecasted to weaken to 147 against the USD, with a bear case return of 17.3% [3]. - **Euro (EUR)**: Expected to trade at 1.17 against the USD, with a bear case return of -4.4% [3]. - **Indian Rupee (INR)**: Reached an all-time low of 88.2 against the USD, with a forecast of 12.5% return in a bear case [11][12]. Fixed Income - **UST 10-Year**: Yield at 4.23%, with a forecast range of 3.45% (bull) to 4.00% (base) [3]. - **US Investment Grade (IG) Bonds**: Yield spread at 79 bps, with a bear case return of -2.7% [3]. Commodities - **Brent Crude Oil**: Closed at $68, with a forecast range of $50 (bear) to $120 (bull), indicating a bear case return of -24.2% [3]. - **Gold**: Closed at $3,429, with a forecast range of $2,975 (bear) to $4,200 (bull), showing a bear case return of -17.2% [3]. Market Sentiment and Positioning - The **Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI)** aggregates survey positioning, volatility, and momentum data to quantify market stress and sentiment, indicating a mixed sentiment across various asset classes [53][58]. - **Equity Positioning**: US equities show a net positioning of 28% among asset managers, while EM equities show a higher net positioning of 42% [66]. - **Bond Positioning**: UST 10-Year shows a net positioning of 38% among asset managers [66]. Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of monitoring fund flows across approximately 5,000 ETFs globally, covering around $7 trillion in assets, to gauge demand across assets and regions [22]. - The **COVA (Correlation-Valuation) scorecard** identifies good portfolio diversifiers at reasonable prices, rewarding assets with negative correlation to equities and attractive valuations [85]. Conclusion - The current market environment reflects significant volatility and mixed sentiment across various asset classes, with potential risks and opportunities identified in equities, fixed income, FX, and commodities. Investors are advised to consider these factors in their investment decisions.

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and trading [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, personal analysis, and third-party content intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information does not constitute any recommendation or advice for investment actions [1]. - Users are advised to perform their own research and consider their financial situation before making decisions [1]. Group 2 - The website includes information about complex financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies and contracts for difference (CFDs), which carry a high risk of losing money [1]. - It encourages users to understand how these instruments work and the associated risks before investing [1].