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On May 26th, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced that its new inflation indicator showed core consumer inflation, excluding one-off factors, rose to 2.8% in April, exceeding the 2% target and accelerating from 2.5% in March. This new indicator, which excludes institutional factors such as education and energy subsidies, shows a year-on-year increase significantly higher than the 1.4% increase in the benchmark core consumer price index released by the Japanese government last week. The BOJ began releasing this data in March to strengthen communication about potential inflation, as this information is crucial for its interest rate decisions. Analysts suggest that the April inflation data may help the BOJ demonstrate that even after excluding government subsidies, the inflation rate remains above the target level, thus providing a basis for raising interest rates next month.On May 26th, Kingboard Laminates (01888.HK) surged over 7% intraday, reaching a new high of HK$56.25. Citigroup issued a research report stating that due to the faster-than-expected increase in the average selling price of electronic-grade fiberglass cloth in May, and the anticipated increase in the average selling price of copper clad laminates (CCL) next month, Citigroup raised its earnings forecasts for Kingboard Laminates by 16% to 24% for 2026 to 2028, and raised its target price from HK$51 to HK$66. The bank expects Kingboard Laminates to benefit from rising CCL prices due to copper cost inflation, as well as a shortage of electronic-grade fiberglass cloth. It anticipates that the groups gross margin will enter an expansion cycle, surpassing the high of approximately 34% in 2021, reaching 28.3% in 2026, 33.1% in 2027, and 34.9% in 2028. Citigroup noted that in addition to benefiting from the electronic-grade fiberglass cloth business, the group also benefits from the shortage of AI-related copper foil. The group plans to further upgrade its facilities and build a 21,000-ton capacity, mainly for HVLP4 standards, which is expected to be put into operation in mid-2027. The bank maintains its "Buy" rating and regards Kingboard Laminates as its top pick in the China industrial AI infrastructure theme.According to Zhonglianjin Information Network, sulfur prices generally declined today. In Shandong, Dongming Petrochemical quoted solid sulfur at 7550 yuan/ton and liquid sulfur at 7400 yuan/ton, both down 150 yuan/ton from the previous period; Qicheng Petrochemical and Zhenghe Petrochemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7300 yuan/ton, both down 100 yuan/ton; Huaxing Petrochemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7260 yuan/ton, down 90 yuan/ton; Shangneng Petrochemical and Shenchi Chemical quoted liquid sulfur at 7290 yuan/ton and 7303 yuan/ton respectively, down 60 yuan/ton and 50 yuan/ton respectively; Wantong Petrochemical quoted solid sulfur at 7077 yuan/ton, down 30 yuan/ton. Regarding ports, Zhenjiang Ports price is 7400-7430 yuan/ton, down 30-40 yuan/ton from the previous period; Dafeng Ports price is 7380-7410 yuan/ton, down 30-40 yuan/ton from the previous period. In addition, Qingdao Refining & Chemicals solid and liquid prices remain stable, while Jincheng Petrochemical and Xintai Petrochemical have no prices quoted, and Huifeng Petrochemicals liquid sulfur price is currently unavailable due to unit shutdown.On May 26th, AntLingbo announced a deep strategic partnership with Jianzhi Innovation (Beijing) Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. According to the cooperation plan, the two parties will collaborate on data sharing across AntLingbos full-series embodied intelligent model matrix. They will also jointly develop dedicated data acquisition equipment to continuously improve the accuracy and dimensionality of human data and accelerate the scaling up of high-quality physical real-world data.On May 26, a joint statement was released by the Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The statement noted that Pakistan positively appraised the informal trilateral meeting between China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in Urumqi in April 2026 and welcomed Chinas provision of a dialogue platform for communication between the two sides. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on the Afghan issue. Both sides emphasized that no individual, group, or political party, including the Pakistani Taliban and the East Turkistan Islamic Movement, will be allowed to use relevant territories to undermine or threaten regional security and interests, or to engage in terrorist acts and activities.

Forecast for Gold Price: XAU/USD consolidates above $2,000 as investors await initial US S&P PMI data

Daniel Rogers

Apr 21, 2023 13:52

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During the Asian session, the price of gold (XAU / USD) is oscillating above the psychological resistance of $2,000.00. After a gradual increase, the price of gold has leveled off near $2,005.00 as investors await the release of preliminary S&P PMI data for the United States.

 

S&P500 futures have added some gains during the Asian session following three consecutive declines. As a result of Elon Musk's price-cutting frenzy, Tesla's revenue projections were gloomy, which dampened market sentiment. Near 101.77, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has extended its correction. The USD Index has been consolidating in a range between 100.90 and 102.03 for the past several trading sessions. Therefore, a move that exceeds the previously specified limit will be considered decisive.

 

The subdued USD index weighs on US Treasury yields as well. The demand for U.S. government bonds has increased as weekly unemployment claims have increased. The number of individuals claiming unemployment benefits rose to 245K, exceeding the consensus estimate of 240K. This indicated a softening in the labor market and bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will not raise interest rates after the monetary policy meeting in May.

 

In the future, the publication of the preliminary US S&P PMI data will determine the impact of the Fed's rate hikes on the scope of economic activity. According to projections, the Manufacturing PMI and Services PMI will decline to 49.0 and 51.5, respectively. A preliminary PMI reading that is weaker than anticipated could impact heavily on the U.S. dollar.