Summary: Things are getting worse, slowly but worse, XAUUSD will reach 3K at the end of this year

1.
Title: Xi’s Economic Adrenaline Shot Is Only Buying China a Little Time
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: China's economy faces a deflationary slump due to a property market crash, weak consumer demand, and trade tensions.
Solution: The central bank launched aggressive easing measures, including interest rate cuts, more liquidity, and housing incentives.
Result: Markets surged, but economists warn these actions provide only temporary relief without deeper reforms.
Prediction: Further fiscal policies and structural reforms are needed to avoid long-term stagnation and drive sustainable growth.

2. Title: China Cuts One-Year Policy Rate by Most Ever in Stimulus Drive
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: The Chinese economy faces potential deflationary pressures, prompting the need for significant monetary stimulus.
Solution: The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) cut the medium-term lending facility rate by 30 basis points to 2%, initiating a broader stimulus package to boost economic confidence.
Result: The yuan strengthened, and Chinese stocks gained, with expectations for further monetary easing, including future rate cuts on reverse repurchase notes.
Prediction: Analysts anticipate additional rate reductions and liquidity measures to support the economy, aligning funding costs more closely with market rates in the coming months.

3.
Title: OECD Upgrades UK Growth by Most in G-7, Warns on Inflation
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: UK faces high inflation, with the BOE struggling to meet its 2% target.
Solution: The government plans to increase investment, focusing on infrastructure and the green transition.
Result: UK growth forecast upgraded to 1.1% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2025, but inflation remains high.
Prediction: BOE may delay interest rate cuts due to persistent inflation and wage pressures.

4.
Title: Global Economy Moves Beyond Inflation Crisis to Stable Growth
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: The global economy faces risks from geopolitical tensions, soft labor markets, and potential financial market upheaval as inflation eases.
Solution: Central banks can cautiously cut interest rates while monitoring data closely, avoiding rapid reductions.
Result: OECD projects global growth to stabilize at 3.2% for 2024, with moderating inflation expected in G20 nations by the end of 2025.
Prediction: While growth forecasts for the US and euro area remain steady, the OECD warns of significant risks that could impact the global economic outlook.

5.
Title: Danish Central Bank Slashes Inflation Forecasts as Wages Cool
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: The Danish labor market pressure has eased, but there are concerns about potential inflationary risks from the government's proposed 2025 budget.
Solution: The central bank has reduced its inflation forecasts for 2024 and 2025, anticipating slower wage growth due to a less tight labor market.
Result: Inflation is now forecasted at 1.3% for 2024 (down from 2.2%) and 2.1% for 2025 (down from 2.6%), indicating a more stable economic environment.
Prediction: The central bank warns against loosening fiscal policy too soon, as it could destabilize the current balance in the labor market.

6.
Title: BOE’s Greene Calls for ‘Cautious’ Approach to Rate Cuts
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: Strong wage growth and resilient economic activity pose risks, prompting concerns about inflation remaining sticky in the UK.
Solution: BOE policymaker Megan Greene advocates for a cautious and gradual approach to interest rate cuts, ensuring that inflationary pressures have subsided before making significant changes.
Result: The market reflects skepticism about immediate rate cuts, with current pricing suggesting a cut in November but a 60% chance of a follow-up in December.
Prediction: Greene emphasizes the need for ongoing observation of wage trends and consumer spending to gauge future monetary policy adjustments.


7.
Title: Fed's Bumper Rate Cut Revives 'Reflation Specter' in US Bond Market
Source: Reuters

Problem: The Federal Reserve's aggressive rate cuts raise concerns about re-igniting inflation in the U.S. economy.
Solution: The Fed's 50 basis point rate cut aims to recalibrate its approach, focusing on maintaining a strong labor market while managing inflation.
Result: U.S. bond yields have risen as investors reassess inflation expectations, reflecting uncertainty over future economic conditions.
Prediction: A gradual return to higher inflation could impact bond markets, and the central bank may need to adjust its strategy if inflation does not remain subdued.

8.
Title: Investing.com Poll: Where do you see gold prices by the end of 2024?
Source: Investing.com

Problem: Gold prices have recently surged, driven by the Federal Reserve's rate cut and investor sentiment.
Solution: Analysts expect ongoing rate reductions, which make gold more attractive as a non-yielding asset.
Result: Gold prices have rallied over 5% this month, defying historical trends for September.
Prediction: While traders anticipate potential cooling in gold returns, any downside is likely to be limited, suggesting a strong long-term outlook for the metal.

9.
Title: With Fed Easing Underway, What's Next for Markets? UBS Weighs In
Source: Investing.com

Problem: The recent rate cut by the Fed raises questions about future economic conditions and market stability.
Solution: UBS believes the rate cut signals a willingness to support the economy, but emphasizes the need for clear labor market data to ensure a soft landing.
Result: Markets have reacted positively to the rate cut, but uncertainty remains regarding the ultimate impact on growth and inflation.
Prediction: A "Roaring '20s" scenario is considered an upside risk, but market volatility could re-emerge as investors seek clarity on the economy's trajectory.

10.
Will Fed policy trigger a US recession?

Claudia Sahm:


Does not believe the US is currently in a recession, despite her namesake "Sahm rule" being triggered.
Is concerned about the direction of economic indicators, with payroll gains slowing and unemployment rising.
Puts higher odds of recession now than earlier in the cycle, but doesn't provide a specific percentage.
Believes the Fed is at risk of making an "unforced policy error" if they don't cut rates soon enough, potentially leading to an unnecessary recession.


Bill Dudley:


Puts 50-60% odds of a recession in the next 12 months.
Believes the Fed is "a bit behind the curve" in reducing interest rates given increased economic risks.
Thinks a soft landing is possible but historically difficult for the Fed to achieve.
Expects any potential recession to be mild due to strong household and business balance sheets.


Rob Kaplan:


Seems less concerned about recession risk than Dudley.
Believes the job market is softening as intended, but not "falling out of bed."
Thinks the Fed may be tactically behind by "a meeting or two" but not strategically behind.
Expects the Fed to likely cut rates in September, November, and December, despite potentially hawkish rhetoric.

11.
Title: Powell Emerges Stronger After Leading Fed to Big Rate Cut
Source: Bloomberg

Problem: Federal Reserve officials were divided on how aggressively to cut interest rates, amidst weak jobs data and inflation pressures easing.
Solution: Chair Jerome Powell advocated for a significant 50 basis point rate cut to safeguard against potential risks to the labor market.
Result: The majority of Fed officials supported the larger cut, reflecting Powell's strengthened leadership and consensus around his approach to manage economic risks.
Prediction: If labor market data continues to disappoint, another substantial rate cut could occur in the future, as Powell aims to ensure a soft landing for the economy.

12.

Title: Gold price consolidates below all-time peak, awaits Fed Chair Powell’s speech
Source: Investing.com

Problem: Gold prices are confined below their all-time peak due to rising US yields and a strong USD, creating uncertainty in the market.
Solution: Traders are awaiting comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other influential FOMC members, which may influence expectations for another 50 bps rate cut in November.
Result: Current gold prices are stable around $2,650, supported by dovish Fed expectations and geopolitical tensions, despite technical indicators suggesting overbought conditions.
Prediction: Upcoming economic data and Powell’s speech will be critical in determining gold's direction, with potential fluctuations as traders evaluate the likelihood of further rate cuts and their impacts on market sentiment.
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