1. Economic and financial dynamics.
1. Trump criticizes Federal Reserve Chairman: Former U.S. President Trump publicly accuses Federal Reserve Chairman Powell of being "a disgrace to America" and strongly calls for a 250 basis point rate cut, reigniting market discussion on monetary policy direction.
2. New variables in TikTok's fate: Trump announced a further 90-day extension for the enforcement of the "ban if not sold" bill regarding TikTok, leaving the future development of this social platform in the U.S. uncertain.
3. The Bank of England maintains interest rates: The Bank of England announced that it will keep the benchmark interest rate at 4.25%, but the voting ratio exposed increasing internal decision-making differences. Market traders expect that the Bank of England may cumulatively cut rates by 50 basis points within the year to stimulate the economy.
2. Geopolitical hotspots.
1. Signs of easing in the Russia-Ukraine situation: Ukrainian President Zelensky has stated that he is ready for high-level meetings and is willing to meet with Russian President Putin, bringing new hope for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
2. International trade tariff dynamics.
- New progress in EU-U.S. trade cooperation: British media reports that the EU is actively promoting a trade agreement with the U.S. similar to that with the UK, with increasing acceptance of a 10% baseline tariff from the European side.
- Canada-U.S. tariff adjustments: Canada announced adjustments to its existing counter-tariff policy on U.S. steel and aluminum products, effective July 21.
3. The Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate.
1. Escalation of conflict objectives: The Israeli Defense Minister bluntly stated that eliminating Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei is one of the goals of this operation, further escalating tensions.
2. The U.S.-Iran relationship is complex.
- The White House releases negotiation signals: According to White House sources, Trump believes there is a "great" chance for negotiations with Iran and has stated that he will decide within two weeks whether to launch a military attack on Iran.
- Public opinion and diplomatic games: Trump criticizes (The Wall Street Journal) reports on his Iran policy; Russia again warns against U.S. military intervention in the Middle East; additionally, foreign media reports that since the outbreak of conflict, the Iranian Foreign Minister has had multiple calls with the U.S. Middle East envoy, raising significant international attention on the covert communications between the U.S. and Iran.
