[Macro Matters] April 2nd Week

1. Economic Data


US weekly jobless claims rise marginally | Reuters


US consumer prices fell for first time in nearly five years ahead of tariffs | Reuters


US monthly producer prices decline in March | Reuters


China's deflationary pressures persist as trade gloom worsens | Reuters


- There should be a drastic action to deal with deflation. War might be a breakthrough for China.

Sad but True. Peace sells, but no one would buy it if it costs a lot...


US consumer sentiment, inflation expectations deteriorate sharply in April | Reuters


- Generally, we don't consider 'US consumer sentiment data' as a crucial indicator. However, a 'deterioration' in consumers' confidence might become a self-fulfilling prophecy.



2. Central Bank


BOJ's Ueda sticks to rate-hike stance but signals focus on risks | Reuters

- BOJ's Ueda reaffirms his consistent stance as before: aiming positive inflation & gradual rate hikes

Fed’s Schmid Says He’s ‘Squarely Focused’ on Inflation Risks - Bloomberg

Australia central bank says too early to decide on rate path amid tariff uncertainty | Reuters

China State Media Hints at Rate Cuts to Counter Trump’s Tariffs - Bloomberg

Kashkari: Fed should intervene only reluctantly, still need to finish job on inflation - CNBC

- Fed officials share a consistent view from each other: won't move without clear view



3. Politics / World

China sovereign fund steps in to support stocks plunging on trade war | Reuters

Trump optimistic after call about tariffs with South Korea | Reuters


Exclusive: Musk's DOGE using AI to snoop on U.S. federal workers, sources say | Reuters


Hackers Spied on US Bank Regulators’ Emails for Over a Year - Bloomberg


Ukraine Says It Captured Two Chinese Citizens Fighting for Russia - WSJ


EU Chief and Chinese Premier Discuss Potential Oversupply of Goods - WSJ


Ukraine's military chief says new Russian offensive has begun | Reuters


Ukraine Counts More Than 150 Chinese Citizens Fighting for Russia - WSJ


- China officials denied sending mercs to support Russia.


Exclusive: China plans high-level meet to craft support measures after US tariff hikes, say sources | Reuters


China slaps restrictions on 18 US firms over Trump tariffs | Reuters


- The restrictions mainly target US firms providing goods & services to the US government.


Japan's Ishiba and NATO chief vow to deepen security ties as regional threats rise | AP News


Trump Pauses ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs, but Hits China Harder - WSJ


- Trump announced that the White House will postpone reciprocal tariffs for 90 days except for China.

- Duties on Chinese imports: 125%->145%


China hits back at Trump tariff hike, U.S. stands its ground | Reuters


China raises duties on US goods to 125%, calls Trump tariff hikes a 'joke' | Reuters


- China to fight to the end. They will never surrender before the tariffs imposed by Trump are withdrawn.


China's Xi to visit Southeast Asia as trade conflict with US widens | Reuters


China, EU must oppose tariff 'bullying', Xi tells Spanish PM | Reuters


EU leaders plan Beijing trip in July for summit with China's Xi, SCMP reports | Reuters


- China to visit other countries amid rising trade tensions.


Some electronics, smartphones excluded from reciprocal tariffs | AP News


- Trump, are you a coward? MAGA is up to you! C'mon...

4. Business / Market


Musk says he hopes for 'zero tariffs' between US and Europe | Reuters

Musk made direct appeals to Trump to reverse new tariffs, Washington Post reports | Reuters


BlackRock's Fink says stocks could extend fall by 20% amid US recession worries | Reuters

Novo preparing for early launch of weight-loss drug Wegovy in India | Reuters

BYD launches Denza premium brand in Europe to support expansion | Reuters

Chinese Buyers Snapped Up Copper as Prices Plunged on Trump Tariffs - Bloomberg

- Quite Interesting.


Some US consumers stockpile goods ahead of Trump's new tariffs | Reuters


Exclusive: TSMC could face $1 billion or more fine from US probe, sources say | Reuters


Alibaba Chases International AI Users With New Qwen Upgrades - Bloomberg


Sharp US bond selloff revives flashbacks of COVID-era 'dash-for-cash' | Reuters


- For me, this news should be considered as a 'red flag' on trust in US hegemony.


Chinese Car Exports to Russia Hit by Taxes, Consumer Uncertainty - Bloomberg

- Chinese car exports decreased by 50%(YoY) due to high import taxes and interest rates.


Trump administration backs off Nvidia's H20 chip crackdown after Mar-a-Lago dinner, NPR reports | Reuters




1. Indices & Commodities




2. Summary & Opinion



  • In my opinion, the DXY and U.S. Treasuries fell due to a loss of investor confidence on US. Thanks to Donald Trump, the brand power of the U.S. has deteriorated.


  • The current situation presents something of an opportunity for China.

  • I maintain a positive view on the CSI 300 and HSI. China is likely to ease monetary policy and intervene in markets to soothe investor anxiety amid the ongoing trade war. Chinese tech firms have also made impressive progress in sales and AI technology.

  • Copper futures remain high due to strong demand from Chinese buyers. This trend supports the optimistic outlook for China's economy.

  • I would say crude oil prices reached the rock bottom.

  • Despite market expectations, I don't think the Fed will aggressively cut rates. Powell is not the kind of person who shifts his stance by pressure from the White House. Honestly, if rate cuts come earlier than expected, I would sell all my holdings. Such a move could signal severe economic red flags or a loss of the Fed’s independence.

  • I regularly invest in defense companies, as I expect China may have military operations against Taiwan within five years to stimulate national spending. Even if the actual war doesn't occur, rising tensions around the world will support demand for arms.

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