Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-03-03 02:05Core Viewpoint - Bank of America maintains a strong bullish stance on the Chinese metals market, particularly in gold, copper, aluminum, and lithium, driven by tighter supply and structural demand from electrification and AI trends [1][2] Group 1: Market Outlook - The bank expects a significant supply deficit in the copper and aluminum markets, predicting a global copper supply gap of approximately 500,000 to 600,000 tons by 2026/27 [2] - The demand for copper in China is projected to grow by about 2.5% in 2026, with potential government stockpiling acting as a strong catalyst [2] - The aluminum market in China is expected to see prices anchored at RMB 23,000 per ton by 2026, with industry profits likely to remain in the historical high range of RMB 6,000 to 7,000 per ton [2] Group 2: Stock Recommendations - Bank of America identifies China Aluminum (601600) and China Hongqiao (01378) as top picks in the aluminum sector, raising their 2026 earnings forecasts for both companies [3] - The estimated valuation for China Aluminum is approximately 10x 2026E P/E with a dividend yield of about 5%, while China Hongqiao is estimated at around 9x 2026E P/E with a dividend yield of approximately 7% [3] - The target price for China Hongqiao has been increased to HKD 48 from a previous target of HKD 45, supported by strong aluminum price expectations and the company's vertical integration model [3]