国泰海通｜有色：工业金属的三连击

Group 1: Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic factors, such as monetary policy, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions, in influencing metal prices, particularly in a tight supply-demand balance [1] - Industrial metals are expected to benefit from liquidity, traditional recovery, and AI demand, which are seen as three driving forces [1] Group 2: Precious Metals - Silver prices continue to rise, with last week's London spot silver price surpassing $66 per ounce, supported by ongoing inventory disruptions [1] - The outlook for gold remains positive, with expectations of increased central bank purchases and rising gold ETF holdings, alongside a weakening dollar index due to anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [1] - Geopolitical risks from the Russia-Ukraine negotiations are noted as a short-term concern, while silver inventory shortages may lead to stronger price performance [1] Group 3: Copper - The copper market is experiencing increased supply vulnerability, with the 2026 copper long-term contract processing fees set at $0 per ton and $0 per pound, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of $21.25 per ton and 2.125 cents per pound [2] - Strong demand from AIDC and the power grid is expected to exacerbate copper supply vulnerabilities, leading to a potentially strong copper price [2] Group 4: Aluminum - Aluminum prices are supported by macroeconomic improvements, despite supply disruptions from South32's Mozal Aluminum due to unresolved power agreements, which may lead to production cuts [2] - The processing operating rate for aluminum continues to decline, currently at 61.5%, while alumina prices are under pressure due to high bauxite inventories [2] Group 5: Energy Metals - Lithium demand is showing signs of weakening, with rising production levels leading to decreased inventory depletion rates, while market uncertainties regarding the resumption of key mines in Jiangxi persist [3] - Cobalt prices remain high due to tight upstream raw material supplies, while downstream demand is cautious [3] - Rare earth prices have decreased, particularly for medium and heavy rare earths, while tin supply remains uncertain due to disruptions in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia [3]