铜价涨势如虹 ，机构密集上调预期

Group 1 - The copper market is experiencing a significant price increase, with LME three-month copper reaching a historical high of $11,952 per ton on December 12, and settling at $11,727 per ton by December 17 [1] - Major investment banks are bullish on copper prices, with Citigroup predicting a rise to $15,000 per ton by mid-next year, driven by strong demand from energy transition and artificial intelligence sectors [1][6] - The increase in copper prices is causing downstream pressure, with air conditioning companies indicating plans to raise prices to offset rising costs [1][3] Group 2 - The LME copper price has surged nearly 35% this year, primarily due to increased demand and a weakening US dollar, which makes copper cheaper for holders of other currencies [2] - Supply constraints are contributing to the price rise, with a 10% reduction in mining capacity signals from China's copper raw material negotiation group and increased cancellations of LME copper warehouse receipts raising concerns about future supply shortages [2] - Analysts predict that the copper market will remain tight, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a price increase to $11,400 per ton by 2026, citing a decrease in the likelihood of refined copper tariffs [5][6] Group 3 - The rising copper prices are pressuring manufacturers, leading companies like Meibo Group to announce price adjustments to alleviate cost pressures, with a 5% increase in prices effective December 16 [3] - Air conditioning manufacturers are exploring alternatives to copper, with 19 companies, including Haier and Midea, signing a self-regulatory agreement to promote aluminum heat exchangers as a cost-saving measure [4] - Analysts expect that the ongoing price increases will negatively impact energy-intensive industries, potentially compressing profit margins [6]