BOHAI SECURITIES·2025-12-03 09:30Industry Overview - The report highlights a warming expectation for interest rate cuts, which is expected to boost metal prices, particularly in the context of the Federal Reserve's potential policy changes [1][3]. Steel Industry - In December, demand for steel may continue to weaken due to weather factors, leading to a reduction in steel production and a fluctuating price trend [3][19]. - The steel industry is expected to benefit from growth policies, with demand in shipbuilding and construction likely to increase, alongside trends in equipment upgrades and low-carbon transitions [5][19]. - The average daily transaction volume of construction steel in October 2025 was 101,300 tons, down 1.13% month-on-month and 13.06% year-on-year [20][19]. Copper Industry - The copper supply remains tight, with expectations of continued high price fluctuations supported by low domestic inventory levels and the Fed's interest rate cut expectations [3][36]. - In October, domestic refined copper production was 1,204,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 7.89% [37][36]. - The report suggests a positive outlook for the copper industry, driven by demand from power grids, electric vehicles, and AI servers [5][36]. Aluminum Industry - The aluminum sector is experiencing a stable profit level for electrolytic aluminum plants due to low alumina prices, although downstream demand is expected to weaken in December [3][41]. - Domestic electrolytic aluminum production in October was 3,798,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 2.23% [42][41]. - The report anticipates that the aluminum price will continue to fluctuate in the short term, supported by the Fed's interest rate cut expectations [5][41]. Precious Metals - Gold prices are expected to fluctuate at high levels in the short term, influenced by the Fed's interest rate policies and geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine situation [3][47]. - From October 31 to November 28, 2025, COMEX gold prices increased by 6.05% to $4,256.40 per ounce [47][47]. New Energy Metals - Lithium prices are expected to remain high due to strong demand in the energy storage sector, despite a slight decline in demand from the electric vehicle sector [3][52]. - Domestic battery-grade lithium carbonate prices increased by 17.50% to 94,000 yuan per ton from October 31 to November 28, 2025 [53][52]. - The report indicates a trend towards regulatory strengthening in the lithium supply side, which may optimize the future supply structure and support lithium prices [5][52]. Cobalt Industry - The cobalt market is expected to face pressure on prices due to a potential decline in demand from the power battery market, while the consumer electronics sector remains robust [4][62]. - In October, domestic cobalt sulfate production was 12,500 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 32.72% [66][62].