Xuan Gu Bao·2026-01-07 02:23Core Viewpoint - The nickel sector experienced a significant surge on January 7, with major companies like China First Heavy Industries and Greeenmei hitting their daily limit, indicating strong market sentiment and potential investment opportunities in the sector [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The nickel sector index rose by 4.65%, reflecting a robust performance across various companies [2]. - Notable stock performances included Greeenmei, which increased by 9.95% to a price of 9.50, and Zhongwei Co., which surged by 12.25% to 57.29 [2]. - Other companies such as Huayou Cobalt and Shengtun Mining also saw significant gains, contributing to the overall positive market trend [1][2]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The recent price increase in nickel is attributed to reduced nickel mining quotas in Indonesia and a shift in macroeconomic sentiment towards liquidity, with the LME nickel price reaching a peak of $18,785, marking a nearly 9% increase [3][4]. - Indonesia's Vale has suspended nickel mining operations due to unapproved work plans, heightening expectations of supply constraints in the market [3]. - The International Nickel Study Group (INSG) projects global nickel demand to reach 3.82 million tons in 2026, while production is expected to be 4.09 million tons, indicating a potential supply-demand reversal due to a forecasted reduction of 200,000 to 300,000 tons in Indonesian output [4]. Group 3: Long-term Industry Outlook - The long-term outlook for the nickel sector remains optimistic, driven by increasing demand from electric vehicles and energy storage applications [5]. - Supply constraints are expected to persist, with fluctuations in production from major nickel-producing countries like Chile further tightening supply [5]. - The anticipated easing of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve in 2026 is expected to support metal prices, with nickel prices likely to continue their upward trajectory [5].