Market Overview - On September 22, the energy metals sector declined by 0.72%, with Tengyuan Cobalt leading the drop [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3828.58, up 0.22%, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed at 13157.97, up 0.67% [1] Individual Stock Performance - Huayou Cobalt (603799) closed at 52.72, up 2.25% with a trading volume of 1.1924 million shares and a transaction value of 6.334 billion [1] - Cangge Mining (000408) closed at 54.24, down 0.11% with a trading volume of 84,000 shares [1] - Ganfeng Lithium (002460) closed at 52.54, down 0.53% with a trading volume of 1.2772 million shares and a transaction value of 6.638 billion [1] - Other notable declines include Tengyuan Cobalt (301219) down 5.59% and Tianqi Lithium (002466) down 2.53% [2] Capital Flow Analysis - The energy metals sector experienced a net outflow of 1.698 billion in main funds, while retail funds saw a net inflow of 758 million [2][3] - Ganfeng Lithium (002460) had a main fund net outflow of 718 million, with retail inflows of 344 million [3] - Tianqi Lithium (002466) also faced a main fund net outflow of 370 million, with retail inflows of 217 million [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising prices of lithium and rare earth metals amid the "anti-involution" trend, highlighting the performance of rare metal ETFs, particularly the 嘉实中证稀有金属ETF (562800) [1][16]. Group 1: Market Performance - The technology sector, particularly communication and electronics, has seen significant gains, with ETFs like the communication ETF (159695) and the Sci-Tech Chip ETF (588200) both exceeding 50% year-to-date [3]. - The non-ferrous metals sector has also performed well, with an annual increase of 51.05% [4]. - The rare earth ETF 嘉实 (516150) and the rare metal ETF (562800) have recorded year-to-date increases of 64.2% and 51.9%, respectively [4]. Group 2: Economic Factors - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut of 25 basis points marks the beginning of a new easing cycle, which is expected to enhance liquidity and stimulate demand in the downstream sectors [6]. - The "anti-involution" policy is addressing structural supply-side issues, particularly in industries like new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, and lithium batteries [8]. Group 3: Lithium Market Insights - Lithium carbonate prices have been on the rise, with futures prices increasing over 20% since July [8]. - The lithium sector's listed companies reported a 54% year-on-year increase in net profit, totaling 37.26 billion yuan in the first half of the year [10]. - Demand for lithium is projected to reach 1.386 million tons of LCE by 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 20.4% [11]. Group 4: Rare Earth Market Insights - China holds over one-third of the global rare earth reserves and has a significant share of the global production and processing capacity [15]. - The rare earth prices have surged due to supply chain concerns and increased inventory accumulation by foreign manufacturers [15]. - Companies like 北方稀土 have reported substantial revenue growth, with a 45.2% increase in revenue and a 19-fold increase in net profit year-on-year [15]. Group 5: ETF Overview - The 嘉实中证稀有金属ETF (562800) strategically allocates 40% of its weight to small metals, including rare earths, and 20% to energy metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt [22]. - The ETF has seen a significant increase in fund size, reaching 2.73 billion yuan, with a 119.7% increase in fund shares this year [27].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the non-ferrous metal industry index (399395) has shown strong performance, with significant gains in individual stocks such as Zijin Mining and Shandong Gold, driven by a surge in spot gold prices and supportive monetary policies [1][2] - The non-ferrous metal industry index reflects the overall performance of listed companies in the non-ferrous metal sector, comprising 50 securities with notable scale and liquidity [1] - The recent increase in gold prices is attributed to central bank reserves and resilient employment in the U.S. economy, which may extend the current interest rate cut cycle, creating a favorable environment for gold investments [1] Group 2 - As of August 29, 2025, the top ten weighted stocks in the non-ferrous metal industry index account for 50.35% of the index, including companies like Zijin Mining and Northern Rare Earth [2] - The non-ferrous ETF fund closely tracks the non-ferrous metal industry index, providing investors with a means to invest in this specific sector [1][3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the construction materials industry, indicating a recovery in the consumption segment and a price increase cycle for fiberglass products [1][5][7]. Core Insights - The construction materials sector is showing signs of recovery, with the fundamentals entering a positive phase, particularly in real estate sales and construction starts [1][20][21]. - A price increase cycle for fiberglass products is anticipated, driven by supply-demand dynamics and market conditions [2][6][7]. - The cement industry is entering a peak season with price increases observed in various regions, supported by policy measures aimed at limiting overproduction [4][27][28]. Summary by Sections Construction Materials - The consumption construction materials sector is stabilizing, with expectations of improved revenue performance starting in Q3 2025 due to lower revenue baselines and reduced price competition [1][20][21]. - Companies like Hanhigh Group and Sankeshu are already showing growth, with expectations for Dongfang Yuhong to follow suit [1][15]. Fiberglass - The fiberglass market is experiencing a price increase cycle, with major companies discussing price hikes for various products, including low dielectric fabrics [2][6]. - The supply-demand balance is shifting positively, with larger manufacturers maintaining good inventory control while smaller producers are adjusting prices upward [6][7]. Cement - The cement market is witnessing a slight price increase, with specific regions like Jiangsu and Anhui implementing price hikes [4][27]. - The report highlights the potential for growth in the cement sector due to policy support and overseas expansion opportunities [27][28]. Investment Recommendations - Companies such as China Jushi, Zhongcai Technology, and Feilihua are highlighted for their strong market positions and growth potential in the fiberglass and construction materials sectors [10][12][18]. - Huaxin Cement is noted for its overseas expansion and profitability, particularly from its Nigerian operations, which are expected to contribute significantly to future earnings [31][33].

Group 1: Market Performance - The New Energy ETF has a turnover rate of 3.85% during trading, with a transaction volume of 43.23 million yuan [2] - As of September 19, the New Energy ETF's latest scale reached 1.129 billion yuan, with a total inflow of 19.67 million yuan over the last 10 trading days [2] - The New Energy ETF's net value has increased by 58.12% over the past year [2] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The highest monthly return since the inception of the New Energy ETF was 25.07%, with the longest consecutive monthly increase lasting 4 months and a maximum increase of 31.31% [2] - The average return during the months of increase is 8.03% [2] - The global push for "carbon neutrality" positions the development of new energy as a long-term strategic direction, with China aiming for peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 [2] Group 3: Industry Trends - Despite high market penetration of new energy vehicles, there remains significant potential for replacing traditional fuel vehicles based on ownership ratios [2] - The energy storage market is experiencing explosive growth, crucial for addressing the intermittency issues of wind and solar power generation, with domestic energy storage bidding volumes in August showing several-fold year-on-year growth [2] - According to Shenwan Hongyuan, the short-term focus remains on event-driven themes and price increase themes, while the medium-term outlook is optimistic for a structural bull market, particularly in the photovoltaic sector [3] Group 4: Company Performance - As of August 29, 2025, the top ten weighted stocks in the China Securities New Energy Index include CATL, Sungrow, Longi Green Energy, China Nuclear Power, and others, collectively accounting for 42.78% of the index [5] - Notable stock performances include CATL with a slight decline of 0.18% and Sungrow with an increase of 0.80% [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the performance of the Nonferrous ETF Fund (159880) and its major holdings, highlighting the fund's recent gains and overall returns since its inception [1]. Fund Performance - The Nonferrous ETF Fund (159880) opened with a gain of 0.79%, priced at 1.522 yuan [1]. - Since its establishment on March 8, 2021, the fund has achieved a return of 50.99% [1]. - Over the past month, the fund's return has been 12.17% [1]. Major Holdings - Key stocks in the Nonferrous ETF Fund include: - Zijin Mining: up 1.92% - Luoyang Molybdenum: up 3.76% - Northern Rare Earth: down 0.53% - China Aluminum: up 0.52% - Shandong Gold: up 3.84% - Huayou Cobalt: up 4.69% - Zhongjin Gold: up 3.50% - Ganfeng Lithium: up 0.34% - Chifeng Jilong Gold: up 2.90% - Yun Aluminum: unchanged [1]. Management Information - The fund is managed by Penghua Fund Management Co., Ltd., with Yan Dong as the fund manager [1].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Cobalt and Nickel Production in the Asia Pacific region, specifically focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its impact on Chinese producers [2][8] Core Insights - **Cobalt Export Ban**: The DRC has extended its cobalt export ban until October 15, 2025, which will be followed by export quotas [2][8] - **Global Production Impact**: The DRC accounted for over 70% of global cobalt production in 2024. The new quotas are expected to lead to a significant supply decline in 2026-27 [2][8] - **CMOC Sales Projections**: CMOC sold 109,000 tons (kt) of cobalt in 2024 and 46kt in the first half of 2025. Assuming a quota similar to the national level, CMOC could sell approximately 8.6kt in Q4 2025 and around 43.6kt in 2026-27 [2][8] - **Nickel Smelters' Advantage**: Nickel smelters in Indonesia using laterite nickel ore and the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) method can obtain about 10% cobalt as a byproduct. This is expected to benefit them from potential cobalt price increases [3][8] - **Production Estimates**: Huayou's cobalt production from its Indonesian smelting operations is estimated to be around 20kt in 2025 (11kt attributable), while GEM's production is estimated at 12kt (6kt attributable) [3][8] Additional Important Information - **Export Quota Details**: The maximum export amount is set at 18,125 tons for 2025, with a breakdown of 3,625 tons for October and 7,250 tons for both November and December. For 2026-27, the maximum export amount is projected to be 96.6kt, which is about 40% of normal production levels [8] - **Quota Distribution**: Quotas will be allocated to companies based on historical export volumes, excluding those that exported less than 100 tons in 2024 or whose cobalt resources have been depleted [8] Industry Rating - **Overall Industry View**: The Greater China Materials sector is rated as Attractive, indicating a positive outlook for the industry over the next 12-18 months [5]

Summary of Cobalt Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The cobalt industry is currently facing significant changes due to the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) export quota system, which will be implemented on October 15, 2025, limiting exports to less than 50% of last year's production of 220,000 tons, resulting in an export quota of approximately 100,000 tons [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments - **Cobalt Price Trends**: Domestic spot cobalt prices have risen from 270,000 yuan to nearly 300,000 yuan, with expectations to reach 400,000 yuan, indicating a potential increase of 35% to 50% [2][3]. - **Supply Tightness**: The DRC's export ban will exacerbate global cobalt supply tightness, with the first shipments not expected to arrive in China until late January 2026. Industry inventory is projected to be fully consumed by the end of this year or early next year, maintaining high cobalt prices [1][3][4]. - **Production Declines**: In August, China's imports of cobalt intermediates dropped by 90% year-on-year, and domestic production of cobalt and cobalt sulfate also saw significant declines of 50% and 26% respectively [5]. - **Future Supply Expectations**: If the current steel and hardware policies continue into 2026-2027, cobalt supply will remain tight next year. The U.S. has announced a procurement of 7,500 tons of cobalt for strategic reserves, impacting metal demand significantly, although market reactions have been muted [6][7]. Investment Opportunities - **Recommended Companies**: Companies such as Huayou Cobalt and Liqin are favored due to their operations outside the DRC, benefiting from supply stability in Indonesia. DRC-related companies like Luoyang Molybdenum, Hanrui Cobalt, and Tengyuan Cobalt are expected to see performance improvements as prices rise [7][12]. - **Huayou Cobalt's Performance**: Huayou Cobalt has 180,000 tons of nickel production capacity in Indonesia, with expected shipments of 120,000 metal tons in the first half of 2025, translating to approximately 24,000 tons of cobalt production. The company is also positioned to benefit from inventory gains due to its significant cobalt salt production capacity [9][11]. Price Forecasts - **2025 and 2026 Price Expectations**: The average cobalt price for 2025 is expected to be around 200,000 yuan, while in 2026, prices are likely to exceed 300,000 yuan, with a potential increase of over 50% year-on-year [8][13]. Additional Insights - **Nickel Price Impact**: Current nickel prices are low, but potential closures of nickel plants in Indonesia could stimulate price increases, which would enhance company performance [10]. - **Overall Market Outlook**: The overall outlook for the cobalt market remains positive, particularly for Huayou Cobalt, with expectations of significant profit contributions from rising prices [13].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese lithium battery industry is undergoing significant transformation, showing signs of recovery in revenue but still facing challenges in profitability due to intense market competition and debt accumulation [2][4]. Revenue and Growth - In the first half of 2025, over 100 listed Chinese lithium battery companies reported a combined "lithium battery business revenue" of approximately 537.995 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 14.95%, which is a 35.16 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024 [2]. - Despite the revenue growth, the overall gross profit margin for these companies was about 18.24%, a decrease of 1.22% year-on-year, indicating a decline in profitability across several sub-industries [2][3]. Market Competition and Industry Structure - The top 20 industry giants accounted for 68.29% of total revenue, 89.15% of net profit, and 89.22% of operating cash flow, highlighting a trend of resource and profit concentration among a few dominant players [3]. - The total liabilities of nearly 110 listed companies in the lithium battery industry reached 1.79 trillion yuan by mid-2025, an increase of 11.86% year-on-year, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 57.74% [3][4]. Financial Health and Risks - The net asset value of these companies was approximately 355.452 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year growth of 4.67%. However, excluding major players like CATL, the financial outlook for smaller companies appears bleak, with some reporting negative cash positions [4]. - By mid-2025, 15 companies in the energy storage sector had a debt-to-asset ratio exceeding 70% and negative net asset values, indicating significant financial stress [4]. Industry Outlook and Capacity Utilization - The global lithium-ion battery production capacity is projected to reach 4,315 GWh in 2024, with an expected shipment volume of 1,545 GWh, resulting in a capacity utilization rate of only 36% [5]. - By 2025, production capacity is anticipated to grow to 5,732 GWh, while shipment volumes are expected to reach 1,899.3 GWh, suggesting a severe overcapacity issue in the lithium battery industry [5]. Price Trends and Competitive Landscape - Following a decline in lithium carbonate prices, lithium battery prices have also decreased, with significant price drops observed in various battery types. As of July 25, 2025, the prices for different battery types were below their production costs, indicating a price war driven by excess capacity [6]. - The industry is expected to favor companies that demonstrate technological breakthroughs, sustainable innovation, and strong financial health to navigate through the current challenges [7]. Competitive Rankings - The "Top 50 Most Competitive Chinese Lithium Battery Companies" list highlights key players based on various metrics, including revenue growth, net profit, and innovation capabilities, with CATL leading the rankings [12][26].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" recommendation for several companies in the non-ferrous metals sector, including Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Huayou Cobalt [4][5]. Core Views - The report highlights that the recent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve is expected to support metal prices in the short term, with a structural improvement in demand anticipated during the "golden September and silver October" period in China [2][3]. - The supply disruptions in copper due to the ongoing closure of the Grasberg mine in Indonesia are contributing to a tightening market, which is expected to drive prices higher [2][3]. - The report is optimistic about cobalt and lithium prices due to supply constraints and increasing demand, particularly in the context of the upcoming holiday season and energy storage needs [3][4]. Summary by Sections Industrial Metals - The report notes that industrial metal prices are expected to rise due to the combination of U.S. monetary easing and seasonal demand in China. The SMM copper concentrate import index has shown a slight increase, indicating a tightening supply situation [2][3]. - Aluminum production has seen a slight increase, with downstream demand expected to rise as the holiday season approaches. However, there has been a recent accumulation of aluminum inventory [2][3][4]. Energy Metals - The report anticipates a significant increase in cobalt prices due to potential extensions of export bans from the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside strong demand for lithium driven by seasonal purchasing and energy storage needs [3][4]. - The report emphasizes that both cobalt and lithium markets are experiencing strong demand growth, with expectations for price increases in the near term [3]. Precious Metals - Following the Fed's interest rate cut, the report expresses a bullish outlook on precious metals, particularly gold, which is expected to benefit from geopolitical tensions and increased central bank purchases [4][5]. - The report highlights that the recent increase in SPDR gold holdings indicates a growing interest from overseas investors, further supporting the bullish sentiment for gold prices [4][5]. Key Company Recommendations - The report recommends several companies for investment, including Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, and Huayou Cobalt, based on their strong market positions and growth potential [4][5].