光大期货有色金属类日报12.15

Macro - The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates by 25 basis points and initiated short-term U.S. Treasury purchases, indicating a slower pace of rate cuts in the coming year [3][18] - The upcoming Bank of Japan meeting is being monitored for potential interest rate hikes, which could lead to a sell-off in "yen carry trades," impacting global risk assets, particularly U.S. dollar assets [3][18] Fundamentals - Domestic TC prices for copper concentrate remain at historical lows, maintaining tight supply conditions, with ongoing long-term contract negotiations expected to be unfavorable for smelters [4][19] - Estimated electrolytic copper production for December is 1.1688 million tons, a month-on-month increase of 5.96% and a year-on-year increase of 6.69% [4][19] - In October, net imports of refined copper fell by 31.56% year-on-year to 257,200 tons, while scrap copper imports increased by 6.81% month-on-month to 196,600 tons [4][19] - As of December 12, global visible copper inventories increased by 18,000 tons to 813,000 tons, with LME inventories rising by 3,350 tons to 165,900 tons [4][19] Price Outlook - Despite a warm macro environment supported by the Fed's rate cuts, there is a discrepancy between market expectations for copper prices and current fundamentals, leading to short-term risks [5][20] - Market attention is shifting towards potential interest rate actions from the Bank of Japan, which may introduce macroeconomic volatility [5][20] Nickel & Stainless Steel - Indonesian nickel prices have slightly decreased, while domestic refined nickel consumption is projected to drop by 30.57% month-on-month to 22,900 tons [21] - The Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs have included stainless steel products in the export license management scope, which may impact future exports [21] - LME nickel inventories decreased by 312 tons to 253,032 tons, while domestic nickel inventories increased, indicating a mixed supply situation [21] Aluminum - Aluminum oxide futures have shown a weak trend, with prices dropping by 3.3% week-on-week [22] - Domestic electrolytic aluminum production capacity is expected to rise to 44.1 million tons in December, with production increasing by 6.8% month-on-month [22] - High prices and environmental regulations are suppressing demand, leading to a slight decrease in processing plant operating rates [23] Industrial Silicon & Polysilicon - Industrial silicon futures have shown a weak trend, with prices dropping by 4.2% week-on-week [24] - Weekly production of industrial silicon increased by 970 tons to 82,200 tons, while polysilicon production decreased by 140 tons to 26,300 tons [25] - Inventory levels for industrial silicon have increased, indicating a potential oversupply situation [26] Lithium Carbonate - Recent regulatory changes regarding lithium carbonate futures have been approved, which may affect market dynamics [27] - Weekly lithium carbonate production is expected to increase by 3% to 98,210 tons, while demand for ternary materials has decreased [28] - Social inventory levels continue to decline, indicating a tightening supply situation despite fluctuations in market sentiment [29]