

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4][108]. Core Views - The report highlights that the expectation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September is likely to support copper prices, with a potential upward trend anticipated due to increased demand during the peak season [3][5]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring the Federal Reserve's actions in September and the demand support during the "golden September and silver October" period [5]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The report notes that the U.S. initial jobless claims for the week ending August 16 were higher than expected, indicating economic uncertainty [9]. - Fed Chairman Powell's dovish remarks suggest a stronger likelihood of a rate cut in September, which could positively impact the non-ferrous metals market [9]. 2. Industrial Metals Copper - Copper prices showed slight declines this week, with LME copper down 0.05%, SHFE copper down 0.47%, and COMEX copper down 0.62% [25]. - Domestic copper inventories increased, with LME copper stocks at 155,975 tons (+0.11%) and SHFE copper stocks at 81,698 tons (-5.40%) [22][25]. - The report suggests that copper prices may rise due to improved downstream demand and the upcoming peak season [5]. Aluminum - Aluminum prices are expected to remain stable, with SHFE aluminum down 0.34% to 20,670 yuan/ton and LME aluminum down 0.58% [36]. - The report indicates that aluminum inventories are rising, with domestic spot inventories at 595,000 tons (+0.85%) [36]. Lithium - Lithium carbonate prices increased by 1.45% to 83,900 yuan/ton, while lithium spodumene prices decreased by 0.64% to 934 USD/ton [78]. - The report anticipates a reduction in lithium inventories due to seasonal demand, which may drive prices higher [78]. Cobalt - Domestic cobalt prices fell by 0.38% to 261,000 yuan/ton, with a significant drop in imports from the Democratic Republic of Congo [89]. - The report suggests that the extended export ban from Congo may lead to a tightening of cobalt supplies in Q4, potentially increasing prices [89]. 3. Market Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector underperformed compared to the Shanghai Composite Index, with a weekly increase of 1.33% versus the index's 3.49% [11][12]. - The report identifies the top-performing stocks in the sector and notes the overall market sentiment [11]. 4. Valuation Changes - The PE_TTM for the non-ferrous metals sector is reported at 22.80, with a slight increase of 0.27 [20]. - The PB_LF for the sector stands at 2.63, reflecting a change of 0.03 [20].