Operating rate of Domestic Aluminium Plate/Sheet, Strip and Foil Producers Fell in April

Overall, cost support remains strong, supply is tightening while demand is stable, and prices are expected to rise further next month. Close attention should be paid to dynamic changes in raw material costs and adjustments in downstream procurement pace going forward.

US March durable goods orders data showed a 0.8% MoM increase, exceeding market expectations of 0.5%. Further, core capital goods orders excluding aircraft and defense equipment surged 3.3% MoM, far exceeding market expectations of 0.5% and marking the largest single-month gain since mid-2020.

Fed Chairman Powell noted that the current interest rate level was in a good place. He also mentioned that the number of officials supporting a shift toward a neutral monetary policy stance had increased, and even suggested that changes to the current easing bias might be considered as early as the next meeting. He emphasized that no one was calling for a rate hike, and those who disagreed with the easing stance were not leaning toward raising rates either. Powell also indicated that if there were a need to raise or cut interest rates in the future, the US Fed would signal in advance and take appropriate action. Additionally, it was necessary to monitor energy and tariff issues before considering an interest rate cut.