Di Yi Cai Jing Zi Xun·2025-10-23 13:00Core Viewpoint - The coal sector in the A-share market has experienced a significant turnaround, with a surge in stock prices following a period of underperformance, driven by a combination of supply-demand dynamics and a shift in investor sentiment towards high-dividend stocks [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The coal sector has seen a remarkable increase, with the Shenwan Coal Index rising over 11% in October, contrasting sharply with a 10% decline in the electronic industry index during the same period [1][2]. - Major coal stocks, including Daqo Energy and Shanxi Coking Coal, have reached their daily price limits, indicating strong market interest [1]. - Prior to this surge, the coal sector was the worst-performing segment in the A-share market, with a cumulative decline of 7.16% from January to September [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The coal market has benefited from a rebound in prices due to a tight supply-demand balance, with third-quarter coal production dropping to 1.166 billion tons, a year-on-year decrease of 2.98% [3][5]. - The demand for coal has been supported by a recovery in electricity consumption, particularly due to unusual weather patterns that increased coal consumption to historical highs [3][4]. - The upcoming winter heating season is expected to further boost coal demand, with supply constraints anticipated due to ongoing production checks [4][5]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment and Strategy - Investors are shifting focus from overheated technology stocks to undervalued sectors like coal, which are perceived to have improving fundamentals and attractive dividend yields [2][5]. - The coal sector is seen as a defensive play, with its high dividend characteristics appealing to investors amid declining risk appetite [2][5]. - Analysts suggest that the recent price rebound in coal is crucial for restoring confidence in the sector, as it breaks the previous negative sentiment regarding future price declines [2].