Xin Lang Ji Jin·2025-07-18 12:04Market Overview - The three major A-share indices collectively rose on July 18, with the Shanghai Composite Index up by 0.5%, Shenzhen Component Index up by 0.37%, and ChiNext Index up by 0.34. The total trading volume in the Shanghai and Shenzhen markets reached 15,710.55 billion yuan, an increase of 316.8 billion yuan compared to the previous day [1][2]. Sector Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector led the market, with significant gains in lithium and rare earth stocks. The Non-Ferrous Metals ETF (159876) saw a peak intraday price increase of 2.64%, closing up 2.15%, marking a new high for the year [4][5]. - The chemical sector also performed strongly, with the Chemical ETF (516020) reaching a maximum intraday increase of 2.28% and closing up 1.95%. The price surge was driven by TDI price increases due to supply shortages [12][14]. - The food and beverage sector, particularly leading liquor stocks, also showed strength, with the Food ETF (515710) closing up 1.16% [1][2]. Investment Insights - Analysts from Shenwan Hongyuan noted that under the "anti-involution" policy, the expectations for the midstream manufacturing sector are shifting towards 2026, creating more short-term investment opportunities. The passing of the "Big and Beautiful" bill in the U.S. has reduced the risk of a deep recession, enhancing visibility for China's supply-demand dynamics in 2026 [2][3]. - Guojin Securities highlighted that domestic manufacturing companies' capital returns are expected to stabilize and improve, making A-shares more attractive compared to overseas markets. They recommend focusing on upstream resource products, capital goods, and intermediate goods that benefit from both domestic policies and rising overseas demand [3][4]. Rare Earth and Lithium Market Dynamics - The rare earth sector is experiencing a surge due to several favorable factors, including government actions to secure resource safety and the discovery of new rare earth minerals in Inner Mongolia. The leading company, Northern Rare Earth, is expected to see a net profit increase of up to 2014% in the first half of the year [5][6]. - In the lithium market, a recent production halt due to regulatory issues at a lithium mining company in Qinghai has raised concerns about supply constraints. This, combined with a rebound in lithium carbonate futures prices, has led to increased market interest in the sector [6][7]. Chemical Sector Outlook - The chemical sector is benefiting from a supply crunch in TDI, with major players like Wanhua Chemical expected to gain significantly from rising TDI prices. The company is the largest global supplier of MDI and TDI, with plans to expand its production capacity [12][16]. - Analysts predict that the chemical sector will enter a new upward cycle due to improved demand and supply-side adjustments driven by domestic policy changes [17][18]. Hong Kong Market Trends - The Hong Kong market is showing strength, particularly in the technology sector, with significant gains in internet stocks. The Hong Kong Internet ETF (513770) rose by 1.61%, reflecting strong performance from major tech companies [18][21]. - The innovative drug sector is also gaining traction, with the Hong Kong Innovative Drug ETF (520880) seeing a cumulative increase of 58.95% in the first half of the year, outperforming other indices [23][24].