储能需求预期持续上调，稀有金属ETF（562800）近半年吸金超21亿元

Core Viewpoint - The rare metals sector in the A-share market has shown strong performance, with significant increases in stock prices and ETF inflows, driven by rising demand expectations and supply constraints in key materials like lithium and cobalt [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The three major A-share indices opened lower but rebounded, with rare metal concept stocks experiencing substantial gains, including Shengxin Lithium Energy and Tianhua New Energy rising over 8% [1]. - The rare metals ETF (562800) has seen a substantial increase in shares, with a rise of 2.736 billion shares and a net inflow of over 2.1 billion yuan in the past six months, bringing its total scale to over 3.7 billion yuan [1]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The price of lithium carbonate futures has surged, previously exceeding 100,000 yuan per ton, as the supply-demand balance is expected to improve significantly next year [1]. - Following the Democratic Republic of Congo's export ban, cobalt prices have risen sharply, with supply constraints anticipated to maintain a tight market and bullish price expectations for the coming year [1]. Group 3: Industry Outlook - Analysts highlight that strategic metals have limited reserves, high extraction difficulty, and insufficient supply elasticity, while demand from sectors like new energy, semiconductors, and military applications is rapidly increasing [1]. - The ongoing scarcity of resources, coupled with an upgrade in demand structure and policy adjustments, suggests that rare metal prices are likely to continue their upward trend, benefiting companies with resource advantages, technical barriers, and compliant export channels [1].