Group 1 - The core conflict between Trump and Senate Democratic leader Schumer is characterized by a lack of direct communication, with no formal one-on-one meetings since Trump's second inauguration [2][3] - The failure to reach an agreement on the confirmation of approximately 150 nominees has led to a political standoff, with Trump threatening to cancel the planned summer recess if the Senate does not act [2] - The upcoming deadline of September 30 for federal government funding is a critical point of contention, as failure to pass a spending bill could result in a government shutdown on October 1 [2] Group 2 - The absence of effective communication between Trump and Schumer has resulted in a breakdown of consensus, with negotiations requiring a mediator, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, to relay messages [3] - Trump's strategy involves a refusal to negotiate and a focus on pushing his agenda independently, while Schumer's hardline approach is a response to internal party pressures [2][3] - The political dynamics indicate that both leaders are positioning themselves for the upcoming funding battles in the fall, with Schumer's actions aimed at solidifying his stance within the party [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the investment opportunities in Japan, particularly through the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), following a trade deal between the U.S. and Japan that reduces tariffs on Japanese auto imports from 27.5% to 15% and includes a $550 billion investment package from Japan [12]. Group 1: Investment Opportunities - The trade deal is expected to boost investor sentiment towards Japan, with EWJ showing a breakout above previous resistance levels [12]. - Japan's corporate governance improvements, strategic trade agreements, and undervalued equities present a favorable investment landscape [12]. - The weak yen and the Bank of Japan's reluctance to raise interest rates further enhance the attractiveness of Japanese equities [12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Money flows in major tech stocks like Apple, Amazon, and NVIDIA are positive, while flows in Google and Tesla are negative, indicating mixed investor sentiment in the tech sector [5][7]. - The article highlights the importance of monitoring money flows in ETFs like SPY and QQQ for investment strategies [8]. Group 3: Political Landscape - Increased political instability in Japan is noted, with the Liberal Democratic Party losing its majority in the upper house and lower house elections, which could impact future economic policies [12]. Group 4: Earnings Reports - Upcoming earnings reports from major companies such as Alphabet, Tesla, and IBM are highlighted, which could influence market movements [12].

Report on Pre - market Tips 1. Industry Investment Rating No investment rating information is provided in the report. 2. Core View The report focuses on the precious metals market, including gold and silver. It points out that the US economy remains robust, with better - than - expected consumer confidence and retail sales data. However, inflation data is mixed, which makes the Fed likely to remain cautious. Gold and silver prices are in a state of oscillation, and long - position holders of silver are advised to continue holding [1]. 3. Summary by Sections Market Review - COMEX gold futures rose 0.30% to $3355.5 per ounce, and COMEX silver futures rose 0.32% to $38.425 per ounce. At night, the main contract of Shanghai gold rose 0.36% to 778.10 yuan per gram, and the main contract of Shanghai silver rose 0.33% to 9216 yuan per kilogram [1]. Important Information - As of July 18, the holdings of the world's largest gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust, decreased by 4.87 tons to 943.63 tons, and the holdings of the world's largest silver ETF, iShares Silver Trust, decreased by 36.74 tons to 14658.21 tons. - The preliminary value of the University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index in the US in July was 61.8 (expected 61.5, previous value 60.7), and the preliminary value of the one - year inflation rate expectation in July was 4.4% (expected 5.0%, previous value 5.0%) [1]. Market Logic - The US retail sales month - on - month rate in June was 0.6%, the highest since March this year, higher than the market expectation of 0.1%. The preliminary value of the University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index in July was 61.8, slightly better than expected. The US economy remains robust. - The US core CPI in June increased by 0.2% month - on - month, slightly lower than the market estimate of 0.3%. The CPI in June only rose moderately, and both the core CPI and PPI were lower than expected. The market doubts the impact of tariffs on inflation, and the Fed may remain cautious [1]. Trading Strategy - The gold price is oscillating, with COMEX gold trading between $3250 - $3480 per ounce and the domestic Shanghai gold main contract trading between 750 - 800 yuan per gram. After reaching a high on July 14, COMEX silver has been in a correction for several days, and long - position holders are advised to continue holding [1].