2025年金属行业二季度策略：工业金属搭台，战略金属起舞

Core Insights - The report emphasizes a positive outlook for the metal industry, particularly highlighting the interplay between industrial metals and strategic metals, with a focus on supply constraints and seasonal demand [1][3]. Industrial Metals - The supply of industrial metals is expected to remain tight, with a strong demand season approaching, particularly for aluminum and copper. The report notes that aluminum prices have significantly improved due to a drop in alumina prices and robust demand from sectors like photovoltaics and automotive [5][17]. - Copper supply is projected to increase only modestly, with a net addition of 380,000 tons from 36 global mining companies, which is lower than previous expectations. This, combined with favorable macroeconomic policies, is expected to support copper prices in the second quarter [5][17]. - Steel sector performance is anticipated to be strong, driven by limited production expectations and seasonal demand, particularly during the "golden three months" of March to May [5]. Strategic Metals - Strategic metals such as cobalt, tin, antimony, and titanium are highlighted as key investment opportunities due to their rising valuations amid geopolitical tensions and export controls [5]. - The report suggests that the ongoing U.S.-China rivalry will enhance the attractiveness of strategic metals, with a focus on rare earth materials and other critical resources [5]. Precious Metals - The report indicates that gold is likely to remain in a comfortable price range, supported by factors such as inflation expectations, geopolitical risks, and ongoing central bank purchases. The anticipated U.S. interest rate cuts are expected to further bolster gold prices [12][13]. - The performance of precious metal equities is expected to improve, with a focus on companies that can deliver actual growth in a strong price environment. The report notes that valuations for gold stocks have become attractive, with several companies trading below 20x earnings [15][12]. Aluminum Market - The aluminum market is experiencing a bullish trend, with prices rising significantly due to low inventory levels and strong demand from various sectors. The report notes that as of March 10, 2025, the price of aluminum on the Shanghai market was 20,760 CNY per ton, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase [17][19]. - Global aluminum inventories are at low levels, with significant reductions observed in LME and COMEX stocks, indicating a tightening supply situation that supports higher prices [23][25].