BOHAI SECURITIES·2025-12-09 11:32Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" rating for the steel industry and a "Positive" rating for the non-ferrous metals industry, with "Buy" ratings for specific companies including Luoyang Molybdenum (603993), Zhongjin Gold (600489), Huayou Cobalt (603799), Zijin Mining (601899), and China Aluminum (601600) [7][8]. Core Insights - The steel industry is expected to see improved profitability due to the implementation of steady growth policies, with demand in shipbuilding and construction likely to increase. The focus on "equipment upgrades" and "low-carbon transformation" is anticipated to become a development hotspot [4][7]. - In the copper sector, supply constraints from major overseas mines are expected to support copper prices, while demand is projected to rise due to its importance in power grids, electric vehicles, and AI servers. The macroeconomic environment is turning favorable, suggesting a positive outlook for the copper industry [4][7]. - The aluminum market is experiencing upward price pressure primarily from macro liquidity expectations, although this may weaken as the market digests these macro benefits [4][7]. - Gold prices are expected to fluctuate based on U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, with long-term demand driven by central bank purchases and geopolitical factors [4][7]. - The rare earth sector is seeing a strategic elevation due to export controls, with potential revaluation of related companies. The development of humanoid robots and new energy sectors is expected to provide new demand momentum [4][7]. - The cobalt market is anticipated to remain tight due to significant production constraints from the Democratic Republic of Congo, with demand driven by electric vehicles and consumer electronics [4][7]. Summary by Sections Steel - The steel industry is facing increasing fundamental pressures as the demand season deepens, with current supply-demand conflicts not being pronounced. Short-term steel prices are expected to fluctuate [3][18]. - As of December 5, the total steel inventory decreased by 2.46% compared to the previous month, while production rates showed a decline [26][24]. - The comprehensive steel price index on December 5 was 3,473.59 CNY/ton, reflecting a 0.60% increase from the previous month [31][32]. Copper - The copper market is supported by supply disruptions from major mines, with domestic copper inventories declining. The LME copper price on December 5 was 11,600 USD/ton, up 5.83% from the previous month [33][37]. - The copper smelting fees are reported at -42.83 USD/ton, indicating a tightening market [34][37]. Aluminum - The aluminum sector is experiencing a slight decrease in processing rates, with the LME aluminum price at 2,900 USD/ton, up 1.38% from the previous month [39][42]. - The overall market sentiment is influenced by expectations of macroeconomic liquidity, although this may lead to reduced upward price momentum in the short term [39][42]. Precious Metals - Gold prices are expected to remain volatile ahead of key economic data releases, with the COMEX gold price at 4,227.70 USD/oz, down 0.67% from the previous month [44][45]. - The silver market is showing positive trends, with prices increasing by 3.00% on COMEX [45]. Rare Earths and Other Metals - The rare earth sector is under scrutiny due to export control measures, with strategic importance increasing. The demand from new technologies is expected to drive future growth [4][7]. - The lithium market is currently in a tight supply-demand situation, with prices for battery-grade lithium at 94,500 CNY/ton, reflecting a 0.53% increase [48][49].