SINOLINK SECURITIES·2025-08-24 11:17Investment Ratings - The report does not explicitly provide investment ratings for the industries discussed [2][3][4][5][6]. Core Insights - The copper market shows a stable upward trend with expectations of demand recovery in mid-September, despite current seasonal weakness [15]. - The aluminum sector is stabilizing at the bottom, with a slight increase in processing rates among leading companies [16]. - The gold market remains highly active, influenced by international geopolitical developments and trade agreements [17]. - The rare earth sector is experiencing significant price increases and regulatory changes, indicating a bullish outlook [35]. - The antimony market is expected to see price recovery due to improved export expectations and domestic production cuts [36]. - The molybdenum market is witnessing price increases driven by rising demand from steel manufacturers [37]. Summary by Sections 1. Base and Precious Metals Market Overview - Copper prices decreased slightly, with LME copper at $9734.50 per ton and SHFE copper at ¥78,700 per ton [15]. - Aluminum prices also fell, with LME aluminum at $2593.00 per ton and SHFE aluminum at ¥20,600 per ton [16]. - Gold prices showed a minor increase, with COMEX gold at $3383.50 per ounce [17]. 2. Base and Precious Metals Fundamental Updates 2.1 Copper - The copper processing fee index dropped to -$41.15 per ton, and domestic copper inventory decreased by 0.2 thousand tons to 13.17 thousand tons [15]. - The operating rate in the copper industry fell by 7.39% to 52.1% due to raw material shortages [15]. 2.2 Aluminum - Domestic aluminum ingot inventory decreased by 1.1 thousand tons to 596 thousand tons, while the operating rate for aluminum processing companies rose by 0.5% to 60.0% [16]. - The complete cost of electrolytic aluminum is ¥16,718 per ton, with industry profits around ¥3,960 per ton [16]. 2.3 Precious Metals - The gold market is influenced by international trade agreements and geopolitical tensions, maintaining a volatile trading environment [17]. 3. Minor Metals and Rare Earth Market Overview - The rare earth sector is seeing price increases, with praseodymium-neodymium oxide at ¥622,300 per ton, up 11.61% [35]. - Antimony prices are expected to recover due to improved export conditions and domestic production cuts [36]. - Molybdenum prices are rising as demand from steel manufacturers increases, with molybdenum concentrate prices at ¥4,420 per ton [37]. 4. Minor Metals and Rare Earth Fundamental Updates 4.1 Rare Earth - Regulatory changes in the rare earth industry are expected to enhance market conditions, with significant price increases anticipated [35]. 4.2 Antimony - The antimony market is poised for recovery, supported by export expectations and production cuts [36]. 4.3 Molybdenum - Molybdenum prices are on the rise due to increased demand from the steel sector, with a notable recovery in steel procurement volumes [37].