Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-26 05:21Core Viewpoint - The non-ferrous metal sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by high international gold prices and strong performance from leading companies, making it a focal point for investors in 2026 [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - The non-ferrous metal sector has outperformed other sectors, with the MSCI Metals and Mining Index rising nearly 90% since the beginning of 2025, surpassing semiconductor and global banking sectors [2]. - Major companies in the sector, such as Zijin Mining, are expected to report substantial profit increases, with projected net profits for 2025 reaching between 51 billion to 52 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 59% to 62% [2]. Group 2: Fund Inflows and ETF Growth - There has been a remarkable influx of capital into the non-ferrous metal sector, with over 36 billion yuan net inflow into non-gold themed ETFs as of January 22, 2026, pushing the total scale of these ETFs to over 100 billion yuan [3]. - The non-ferrous metal ETF (512400) reached a scale of 40 billion yuan, indicating strong investor interest and positioning in this sector [3]. - Public funds have significantly increased their holdings in the non-ferrous sector, with 15 related fund products reported in a short span from early December 2025 to mid-January 2026, indicating a robust investment trend [3]. Group 3: Geopolitical and Economic Factors - The non-ferrous metal sector is transitioning from traditional cyclical characteristics to a new phase characterized by a combination of safe-haven demand, strategic security, and tight supply-demand balance due to rising geopolitical risks [4]. - The recent surge in gold prices, surpassing 5,000 USD per ounce, and silver prices exceeding 100 USD per ounce, reflects a shift in the global monetary system and increased demand for these metals as safe-haven assets [4][5]. Group 4: Specific Metal Insights - Gold and silver are experiencing a "super cycle" driven by geopolitical conflicts, loss of confidence in the US dollar, and ongoing central bank purchases, making them attractive for investment [5]. - Copper prices are showing resilience due to strong pre-holiday stocking, with supply constraints emerging as copper concentrate treatment charges have dropped to negative values, indicating a tight supply situation [6]. - Aluminum prices are expected to rebound due to low global inventories and strong demand driven by investments in power grids and solar exports, despite slight domestic inventory increases [7]. - The strategic importance of metals like cobalt and lithium is being reaffirmed, with supply concentrated in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting their long-term investment potential [8].