Hua Yuan Zheng Quan·2025-12-07 07:57Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Positive" (maintained) [3] Core Viewpoints - The report highlights that copper prices are on the rise due to macroeconomic catalysts and significant inventory reductions in China. The prices of copper in London, Shanghai, and New York have increased by 5.74%, 6.12%, and 3.33% respectively. The report suggests that the copper supply-demand balance may shift from tight equilibrium to shortage in the medium to long term, driven by insufficient capital expenditure in copper mining and frequent supply disruptions [4][23] - The aluminum sector is also experiencing upward price movement, with aluminum prices rising by 3.28% to 22,215 CNY/ton. The report indicates that while alumina prices are under pressure, the demand for electrolytic aluminum is expected to grow, potentially leading to a shortage next year [4][36] - Lithium prices are under short-term pressure due to seasonal demand declines and supply recovery expectations, with carbonate lithium prices dropping by 0.53% to 93,250 CNY/ton. However, the report anticipates a demand-driven upward cycle for lithium prices in the future [4][79] - Cobalt prices are expected to continue rising due to a tight raw material supply, with MB cobalt prices increasing by 1.05% to 24.15 USD/pound. The report notes that the supply chain disruptions in the Democratic Republic of Congo are likely to maintain upward price pressure [4][91] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The report indicates that the U.S. manufacturing PMI for November was 48.2, below expectations, and the ADP employment figures also fell short, suggesting a cooling economy [8] - The overall performance of the non-ferrous metal sector shows a significant increase, with the sector outperforming the Shanghai Composite Index by 4.98 percentage points [10][11] 2. Industrial Metals - Copper prices have seen significant increases, with London copper up 5.74% and Shanghai copper up 6.12%. The report notes a decrease in Shanghai copper inventory by 9.22% [20][23] - Aluminum prices are also rising, with a reported increase in aluminum profits by 11.02% to 6,220 CNY/ton, despite a slight decline in alumina prices [36][50] - Lead and zinc prices have increased, with lead prices up 1.10% and zinc prices up 1.54%. However, the report notes that smelting margins for lead are negative [50][62] 3. Energy Metals - Lithium prices are experiencing short-term adjustments, with carbonate lithium down 0.53% to 93,250 CNY/ton, while lithium spodumene prices have increased slightly [79] - Cobalt prices are on the rise, with domestic cobalt prices increasing by 1.97% to 414,000 CNY/ton, supported by tight supply conditions [91][103]