Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market" [4] Core Views - The lithium sector is expected to experience a surge in demand due to a decline in export tax rebates, leading to a wave of pre-purchases. The Ministry of Finance announced that the export tax rebate for lithium products will decrease from 9% to 6% on April 1, 2026, and to 0% on January 1, 2027. This is projected to increase lithium carbonate demand by approximately 40,000 to 50,000 tons, significantly tightening supply [11][12] - The gold market is influenced by geopolitical risks in the Americas and a recent downward revision of U.S. non-farm payrolls. Despite a decrease in non-farm employment growth, the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 4.4%. The gold price is expected to remain strong in the short term due to these factors [12][13] - Copper prices have seen a correction, which has improved demand. The current market conditions suggest that copper prices may rise beyond expectations, and investors are encouraged to actively position themselves in copper mining stocks [13][14] Summary by Sections Lithium - Weekly inventory has shifted to an accumulation of 337 tons, indicating a turning point. Market perception is that demand will recover post-maintenance of positive electrode manufacturers [11] - The decline in export tax rebates is expected to lead to a pre-purchase wave, with demand for lithium carbonate significantly increasing [11] - The lithium mining sector is anticipated to benefit from both profit and valuation increases, with a focus on companies like Guocheng Mining and others [11] Gold - U.S. non-farm payrolls were revised down, with a growth of only 50,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate fell to 4.4% [12] - Geopolitical risks are accumulating, particularly in Venezuela and other parts of the Americas, which may support gold prices in the short term [12] - The long-term outlook for gold remains bullish due to currency depreciation and geopolitical fragmentation [12] Copper - After a price correction, demand for copper has improved, with expectations of increased production rates in the coming weeks [13] - The market is characterized by a favorable sentiment, and investors are advised to take advantage of price corrections to invest in copper mining stocks [13] - The outlook for copper prices suggests potential upward movement beyond current expectations, with adjustments in earnings per share (EPS) and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios anticipated [13]