Group 1 - The Baotou Rare Earth Products Exchange has officially launched a rare earth price index, utilizing its own trading data and compliant trade data, covering mainstream rare earth products such as lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium [1] - The price of rare earth concentrate is set to increase to 26,834 yuan/ton (excluding tax) in Q1 2026, reflecting a 2.4% increase compared to the previous period [1] - Northern Rare Earth is the largest supplier of light rare earth products globally, with China holding approximately 40% of the world's rare earth resources, particularly rich in medium and heavy rare earth resources [2] Group 2 - The prices of various rare earth products have seen significant increases, with neodymium oxide averaging 508,700 yuan/ton (up 27.4% year-on-year) and terbium oxide averaging 6,738,700 yuan/ton (up 17.2% year-on-year) [2] - Northern Rare Earth reported a revenue of 30.292 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, a 40.5% year-on-year increase, with net profit rising by 280.27% [2] - Baogang Group's revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 was 48.08 billion yuan, showing a 3.58% year-on-year decline, but it turned a profit with a net profit of 233 million yuan [2] Group 3 - The demand for rare earth permanent magnets is growing rapidly, particularly in the electric vehicle sector, which is expected to account for about 50% of future demand for high-performance neodymium-iron-boron materials [3] - The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for rare earth demand is projected to exceed 13% over the next three years, driven by the rapid growth in electric vehicles, energy-efficient motors, and wind power generation [3] Group 4 - Jinli Permanent Magnet expects a net profit of 505 million to 550 million yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 157% to 179% [4] - China Rare Earth Holdings is primarily engaged in the manufacturing and sales of rare earth and refractory products, including metal oxides and fluorescent products [4] Group 5 - Minmetals Resources is projected to achieve revenues of 48.3 billion, 64.5 billion, and 68.7 billion HKD from 2025 to 2027, with net profits expected to reach 5.6 billion, 10.4 billion, and 12.1 billion HKD respectively [5] - China Aluminum is a leading enterprise in the aluminum industry, involved in the exploration and mining of bauxite and coal, as well as the production and sales of alumina, primary aluminum, aluminum alloys, and carbon products [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4] Core Views - Aluminum prices have reached new highs, and the profitability of electrolytic aluminum continues to expand [3] - Copper prices are expected to experience high-level fluctuations due to inventory accumulation and supply disruptions [5] - Lithium demand remains strong, with a reversal in supply and demand dynamics leading to an upward trend in lithium prices [76] - Cobalt prices are expected to continue rising due to tight raw material supply [88] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The U.S. December ISM Manufacturing PMI was reported at 47.9, below expectations [9] - The U.S. December non-farm employment figure was 50,000, also below expectations [9] 2. Market Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector outperformed the Shanghai Composite Index, with an 8.56% increase compared to a 3.82% increase in the index [11] - The sector ranked fourth among all sectors in terms of performance [11] 3. Valuation Changes - The TTM PE for the non-ferrous metals sector is 30.92, with a change of 1.69 [21] - The PB for the sector is 3.81, with a change of 0.20 [21] 4. Industrial Metals - Copper prices increased by 3.84% for London copper and 3.23% for Shanghai copper [26] - Aluminum prices rose by 5.02% for London aluminum and 5.47% for Shanghai aluminum, with aluminum enterprise profits increasing by 23.33% to 8,463 CNY/ton [36] - Lead and zinc prices also saw increases, with lead prices up by 1.57% and zinc prices up by 0.38% [47] 5. Energy Metals - Lithium prices saw significant increases, with lithium carbonate rising by 18.14% to 140,000 CNY/ton [76] - Cobalt prices increased by 2.61% to 25.53 USD/pound, while domestic cobalt prices fell by 6.53% to 458,000 CNY/ton [88]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the non-ferrous metals sector, highlighting the initiation of a spring rally with significant price increases in metals [2]. Core Views - The spring rally is believed to have started, with aluminum prices showing strong elasticity. As of January 9, the SHFE aluminum closing price was 24,385 CNY/ton, a 6.4% increase from December 31, 2025. The report anticipates that aluminum prices may rise further due to rigid supply constraints and increasing demand in new sectors [3][4]. - The report emphasizes the positive outlook for the electrolytic aluminum sector, predicting average profits to exceed 7,500 CNY/ton, supported by improved cash flow and stable profitability among companies [4]. - A strike at the Mantoverde copper mine in Chile could impact copper production, potentially exacerbating supply tightness in 2026 [5]. Summary by Sections Industrial Metals - **Aluminum Market**: The report notes a significant increase in aluminum prices and a rise in profits, driven by supply constraints and new demand areas. The global aluminum inventory remains low, providing strong support for prices [3]. - **Copper Market**: The report highlights a rise in copper inventories and recommends several companies in the copper sector, including Zijin Mining and Western Mining [6]. New Energy Metals and Minor Metals - **Cobalt Market**: The report indicates that cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo are delayed, leading to a potential price increase. The average price of electrolytic cobalt rose to 460,000 CNY/ton, a 1.1% increase from December 31, 2025 [7][12]. - **Company Performance**: Huayou Cobalt's 2025 earnings forecast exceeds market expectations, with a projected net profit increase of 40.8% to 55.2% year-on-year [14]. Industry Data - **Market Performance**: The non-ferrous metals sector has shown strong absolute and relative performance over the past year, with a 110.2% increase over 12 months [9]. - **Stock Market Data**: The total market capitalization of the sector is approximately 457.86 billion CNY, with 126 listed companies [8].

Group 1 - Gao Xiaoyu has been appointed as the director and deputy secretary of the Party Committee of China Mineral Resources Group Co., Ltd. [1] - Gao Xiaoyu previously served as the CEO and executive director of Minmetals Resources Ltd., and in 2022, he became the deputy general manager of China Mineral Resources Group [2] - China Mineral Resources Group Co., Ltd. is a state-owned enterprise approved by the State Council, primarily engaged in mineral resource extraction, processing, import and export, logistics services, and supply chain management [2]

Summary of Key Points from Conference Call Records Industry Overview - **Industry**: Precious Metals and Base Metals - **Key Focus**: The impact of macroeconomic factors, particularly U.S. monetary and fiscal policies, on precious metals prices, including gold and silver, as well as base metals like copper and zinc. Core Insights and Arguments Precious Metals Market - **Gold Price Dynamics**: The gold market in 2026 will be influenced by U.S. and major economies' monetary policies, with expectations of continued demand for gold ETFs due to a prolonged interest rate cut cycle by the Federal Reserve [1][12]. - **Central Bank Gold Purchases**: Central banks, particularly in emerging markets like China, Turkey, Poland, and India, are expected to continue increasing gold reserves, which will support gold prices in the long term [8][9]. - **Silver Demand**: Silver is anticipated to benefit from improved macro liquidity and tight supply-demand fundamentals, with new demand growth from sectors like photovoltaics, electric vehicles, and AI data centers [1][15]. - **Geopolitical Factors**: Geopolitical tensions and the AI narrative will also play significant roles in shaping market sentiment and prices [4][5]. Base Metals Market - **Copper Supply and Demand**: The copper market is expected to see a slight increase in refined copper production in 2026, but overall growth will remain low due to various disruptions, including political instability in Peru and aging mines [24][25]. - **Emerging Demand**: New sectors such as AI and energy storage are projected to drive copper demand, particularly in the U.S. [30]. However, demand from the Chinese electric vehicle sector is expected to decline [33]. - **Zinc Market Outlook**: Zinc supply is expected to improve in 2026, but the overall increase may be limited due to declining ore grades and weak demand from the real estate and home appliance sectors [34][35]. Economic Context - **U.S. Economic Conditions**: The U.S. economy is currently in a recovery phase, with expectations of continued interest rate cuts, which are favorable for precious metals [10][11]. - **Fiscal Concerns**: The deteriorating fiscal situation in the U.S. is weakening the dollar and U.S. debt credit, prompting a search for more reliable safe-haven assets like gold [14]. Market Sentiment and Future Trends - **AI Narrative**: The AI narrative, while potentially creating a bubble, is seen as a significant driver of economic growth, which could positively impact precious metals if it does not burst [7]. - **Price Adjustments**: Recent adjustments in gold and silver prices after reaching historical highs are viewed as a normal market correction rather than a sign of a market peak [17]. Additional Important Insights - **Platinum Group Metals**: The supply of platinum and palladium is highly concentrated, with South Africa and Russia being the main suppliers. Any disruptions in these regions could significantly impact prices [18][19]. - **Market Volatility**: The concentration of supply in the platinum group metals and the potential for geopolitical disruptions highlight the volatility and risks associated with these markets [18][21]. - **Long-term Projections**: The overall sentiment for precious metals remains optimistic for 2026, driven by ongoing central bank purchases and macroeconomic conditions favoring gold and silver [12][17]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call records, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the precious metals and base metals markets.

Core Viewpoint - The copper futures market is experiencing a "slowdown in price increase and adjustment," with short-term demand weakness contrasting with long-term supply shortages, which are expected to support copper prices in the future [1][11]. Short-term Adjustment Reasons - Demand Weakness: Traditional sectors are dragging down demand, while emerging demand has not fully materialized. The operating rates of copper rod and cable enterprises have dropped significantly due to price mismatches, leading to reduced production [2]. - Emotional Factors: High copper prices have led to profit-taking among speculators, contributing to price volatility. Geopolitical uncertainties and monetary policy changes have also increased market unpredictability [3]. - Inventory Accumulation: Domestic refined copper inventories have increased, reflecting a short-term contradiction between weak demand and sufficient supply, which puts pressure on copper prices [4]. Long-term Support for Price Increase - Structural Shortages: Global copper mine supply remains tight, with major mining companies reporting a decrease in copper production. The overall increase in supply is limited, with expectations for only 612,000 tons of new copper mine output in 2026 [5][6]. - Emerging Demand: New sectors such as AI, energy storage, and renewable energy are driving copper demand. Predictions indicate significant increases in copper consumption from data centers and lithium-ion battery production in the coming years [7]. Future Trends - Short-term (1-2 months): Copper prices are expected to remain in a "high-level fluctuation" pattern, influenced by traditional demand weakness and inventory accumulation, while speculative buying may provide some support [8]. - Mid-term (3-4 months): Supply shortages are anticipated to worsen, supporting copper prices, alongside the gradual release of emerging demand. Price targets may exceed $14,000 per ton [9]. - Long-term (5-12 months): The "super cycle" for copper prices is expected to continue, driven by structural shortages and rising demand from new sectors. Long-term prices may surpass $16,000 per ton, setting new historical highs [10]. Conclusion - The recent short-term adjustment in copper prices is attributed to "demand weakness" and "emotional fluctuations," rather than a reversal of the long-term trend. The long-term outlook remains positive, supported by structural shortages and emerging demand. Investors should focus on "demand recovery" and "inventory digestion" in the short term while seizing "structural opportunities" in the long term [11].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the **industrial metals industry**, particularly copper and aluminum markets, and their supply-demand dynamics leading into 2026 [1][3][4]. Core Insights and Arguments Supply Dynamics - The supply curve for industrial metals is becoming steeper, indicating that prices will be more influenced by marginal supply and demand rather than total supply and demand, leading to prices exceeding expectations [1][3]. - Strategic resources are gaining importance in international relations, with countries that have competitive advantages gaining more influence over supply chains, leading to a potential revaluation of strategic metals [1][3]. Copper Market - The copper market is expected to face long-term supply tightness due to reduced output from mature mines and insufficient capital expenditure. Demand growth in 2026 is projected to exceed the average growth rate of the past five years, which is around 2% [1][3][8]. - A clear gap in the copper market is anticipated, with COMEX inventory increases leading to relative shortages in other regions, supporting a bullish outlook on copper prices [3][16]. Aluminum Market - Domestic aluminum production capacity is limited, and overseas production is growing slowly, with global supply growth expected to remain low at around 2% [1][4]. - The demand for electrolytic aluminum is expected to grow steadily due to favorable policies and recovering downstream demand in China, particularly in the automotive and photovoltaic sectors [1][4]. Additional Important Insights Challenges in Smelting - Smelting enterprises are facing challenges due to raw material shortages, which may lead to a significant decline in smelting growth rates. Recent data shows that smelting plant operating rates are nearing their lowest levels in the past decade [1][11]. Inventory Levels - Current visible inventory levels are relatively high, but there are regional disparities. For instance, COMEX inventory represents only 7-8% of global demand, while its visible inventory accounts for about 60% [1][12]. Impact of U.S. Tariffs - The Trump administration's decision on whether to impose tariffs on imported refined products will directly impact market trends and should be closely monitored [2][13]. Investment Recommendations - Recommended companies in the copper sector include **Shengtu Mining, Zangge Holdings, Luoyang Molybdenum, Zijin Mining, and Jiangxi Copper**, which are expected to benefit from rising copper prices [1][6]. - In the electrolytic aluminum sector, companies like **Innovation Industry, China Aluminum, and Tianshan Aluminum** are highlighted for their high dividend yields and potential for long-term investment [1][6][20]. Future Demand Drivers - Future demand growth for copper is expected to be driven by sectors such as wind power, photovoltaics, and electric vehicles, with each contributing approximately 1% to copper demand growth [1][14][15]. Price Predictions - A supply-demand gap of approximately 400,000 tons is expected in the copper market in 2026, confirming an upward trend in copper prices [1][16]. - Aluminum prices are anticipated to remain stable in 2024 and 2025 but are expected to approach previous highs in 2026 due to supply constraints and demand recovery [1][17]. Alumina Market Insights - The alumina market is currently experiencing price fluctuations, with prices supported by ore prices. However, the reliance on imports (around 70%) poses risks due to potential supply disruptions from international developments [1][18][19].

1. Report's Investment Rating for the Industry - No investment rating information is provided in the report. 2. Core Views of the Report - In 2026, the global macro - expectation may be slightly better than 2025, but still mainly feature structured fluctuations [2][54] - Supply disturbances may continue, with the mismatch between mining and smelting reaching an extreme, and the demand side may face real - world tests after the hype. The supply side remains one of the main factors driving copper price fluctuations [2][54] - Global copper inventories will continue to accumulate, which may define the high - price copper market as a bubble [2][54] - Copper prices are in the Conjuncture bubble stage, at the end of the strategic long - position and the beginning of the strategic short - position [2][54] 3. Summaries Based on Relevant Catalogs 3.1行情简顾 - From 2020 - 2025, copper prices showed different trends. In 2025, copper prices broke through the Conjuncture high, with Shanghai copper rising 31.11% and LME copper rising 42.3%, mainly driven by a sharp increase in the fourth quarter [6] 3.2 2026年分析逻辑 - **Supply side**: The TC long - term price dropped to 0 in 2026, indicating extreme raw material disturbances. The "bullwhip effect" in the mining raw material sector reached its peak in 2025, and 2026 may see a turn [8] - **Demand side**: The global inventory cycle is at the bottom, and it is a weak cycle. Although overseas policies and new demands such as new energy and AI provide some support, the demand side is difficult to become the dominant factor [8] - **Conclusion**: 2026 may be a turning point year. Copper prices are still in the bubble stage, and investors should be vigilant against reverse - V fluctuations [8] 3.3全球经济与资本展望 - **China**: In 2026, as the start of the 15th Five - Year Plan, China is expected to improve. However, due to factors such as the real estate market, the new cycle is a weak one, and the year will still feature structured fluctuations [9][10] - **US**: 2026 is expected to be the end of the Fed's interest - rate cut cycle. There may be potential changes in monetary and fiscal policies, which could bring significant fluctuations to the global market and copper prices [11][12] 3.4基本面分析 3.4.1供应端 - **Upstream mining**: Capital expenditure has been increasing since 2021. 2025 - 2026 may be a turning point for output. Although raw material supply may not improve significantly, the degree of tightness may not exceed 2025 [17][18][20] - **Mid - stream smelting**: The imbalance between raw materials and smelting capacity has led to heavy losses in the smelting sector. In 2026, there is a strong expectation of anti - involution, and TC may turn around [23][24] - **Global inventory**: Global copper inventories have been accumulating since 2024, and this trend is expected to continue in 2026 [28][29] 3.4.2消费端 - **Power sector**: Traditional power consumption remains stable, but the rapid growth in the green - power field has slowed down. New industries will provide long - term demand growth, but currently cannot replace traditional demand [36][37] - **Real estate and auto sectors**: In 2025, the auto industry was booming, while the real estate market continued to be weak. The real - estate market is in the downward phase of its cycle, providing limited support for copper demand [38][39][40] 3.4.3小结 - Supply disturbances are a core feature, and the contradiction between raw material supply and smelting capacity expansion will not change fundamentally in 2026. Demand is insufficient, and new demand cannot become the dominant factor in the short term [49] 3.5技术分析研究 - From the monthly K - line of LME copper, the bull market during the period of global prosperity - recession ended in 2011. The current bull market during the period of global recession - depression may end, and the nominal high may appear in the current upward cycle. The market in the depression period features extreme and volatile price movements [51] 3.6结论和建议 - **Research conclusion**: Similar to the core views of the report, including better global macro - expectations in 2026, continued supply disturbances, inventory accumulation, and copper prices in the bubble stage [54] - **Operation suggestions**: The high point in 2021 is the end of the strategic long - position. In the bubble stage, investors should focus on defense during the upward phase and seize opportunities during the downward phase, with key price levels of around $10,000/ton for LME copper and 80,000 yuan/ton for Shanghai copper [55]

1 行情回顾 2025年铜价重心再度攀升，在多重因素共振下突破2024年高点，刷新历史最高纪录。 2025年1月至3月下旬，美国总统特朗普对中国、加拿大、墨西哥等国加征关税，并宣布对铜进口展开232调查。受关税政策预期影响，COMEX市场和LME 市场的套利交易频繁，COMEX铜价大幅上涨，对LME和国内铜价亦有带动。 3月底至4月上旬，美国实施"对等关税"，全球经济衰退预期升温，股市和期市大幅下挫，铜价也大幅下跌，录得年内最低点。 4月中下旬，美国宣布对其他国家关税暂停90天，市场风险情绪回升，铜价自低位反弹。5月至8月期间，铜价波动幅度较小，美国与中国等国家达成协议， 关税忧虑消退，但在通胀隐忧下，美联储对降息持谨慎态度。7月底，特朗普宣布对几类进口铜产品征收关税，但将铜原材料排除在外，精铜套利交易有所 减弱。 9月至12月，美国非农数据不及预期，美联储重启降息周期。与此同时，印尼Grasberg铜矿因泥石流引发矿泄事故大幅减产。在宏观和基本面共振下，铜价 迎来大幅上涨行情。此外，2026年国内精铜存在减产预期， COMEX铜库存持续创新高，非美货源偏紧，对铜价形成有力支撑。 截至2025年12月31日， ...

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core Views of the Report - Although the expected interest rate cut in the first quarter of 2026 has slightly declined, the Fed remains in an easing cycle. Trump's upcoming nomination of a new chairman has raised market concerns about the decline in the Fed's independence. Amidst the global electrification transformation and AI - driven industrial revolution, copper is crucial for data centers, electric vehicles, and power grid infrastructure. Domestically, the central bank will flexibly use reserve - requirement ratio and interest rate cuts, implement an expansionary fiscal policy to boost domestic demand, and promote high - quality development through innovation and industrial upgrading. [3][83] - The sudden strike at mines in northern Chile has intensified disturbances in concentrate supply. Global refined copper production capacity may enter a contraction phase, and domestic imports have decreased month - on - month. At the consumption end, traditional industries face weak demand at the end of the year, while emerging industries offer significant growth potential. Non - US inventories overseas are declining, and US copper inventories are rising, accounting for over 50%. [3][83] - In the third quarter, both the Chinese and US economies showed strong resilience. The global AI - driven industrial revolution has created vast demand prospects for metals. The Fed's interest rate cut has increased market risk appetite. It is expected that copper prices will continue to rise strongly in January, and attention should be paid to the internal linkages among gold, silver, and copper. [3][83] 3. Summary According to the Table of Contents 3.1 2025 December Copper Market Review - In December 2025, copper prices accelerated upward. LME copper rose from a low of around $11,120 to $12,960, and SHFE copper soared from 87,500 to around 102,500. By December 31, LME copper closed at $10,901.5/ton with a monthly increase of 5.8%, and SHFE copper closed at 87,010 yuan/ton with a monthly increase of 4.7%. The weak US dollar and tight fundamentals supported the price increase. [8] - Domestic refined copper terminal consumption faced downward pressure in December. Traditional industries had low - growth consumption, while emerging industries showed good demand. Social inventories rebounded slightly to around 200,000 tons at the end of December, and the spot premium shifted to a deep discount. It is predicted that traditional industries will remain seasonally sluggish in January 2026, while emerging industries will have certain resilience. [10][11] 3.2 Macroeconomic Analysis 3.2.1 Fed's New Chairman Nomination and US Third - Quarter Economic Growth - After the Fed cut interest rates in December as expected, the federal funds rate is now in the 3.5% - 3.75% range. The new dot - plot shows one rate cut in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Trump will announce a new Fed chairman in early January, and the most likely candidate, Kevin Hassett, may support rate cuts. [13][14] - In November, the US CPI was +2.7% year - on - year, and the core CPI was +2.6% year - on - year. The US GDP in the third quarter grew 4.3% year - on - year after inflation adjustment. However, the government shutdown may affect the fourth - quarter economy. It is expected that the Fed may pause rate cuts in the first quarter of 2026. [15] 3.2.2 Lack of Recovery in US Manufacturing and Continued Contraction in Eurozone Manufacturing - The US ISM manufacturing PMI in November shrank to 48.2, below the boom - bust line of 50 for the ninth consecutive month, indicating weak market demand. [16] - The eurozone's manufacturing PMI in December was 49.2, lower than expected. Germany's manufacturing output contraction was a major drag, and although France's manufacturing PMI rebounded, its service PMI declined. The ECB maintained key interest rates in December, and the eurozone economy is in a weak recovery. [16][17] 3.2.3 Flexible Use of Reserve - Requirement Ratio and Interest Rate Cuts and Expansion of "National Subsidies" in 2026 - The central bank will continue to implement a moderately loose monetary policy, strengthen the coordination between monetary and fiscal policies, and support key areas such as domestic demand expansion, innovation, and small and medium - sized enterprises. [18] - In 2026, "national subsidies" will cover four categories: car scrapping, car replacement, home appliances and digital products, and smart products. The scope and subsidy intensity have changed compared to 2025. It is expected that the policy will shift from pure commodity subsidies to a dual - drive model including service consumption. [19] 3.3 Fundamental Analysis 3.3.1 Slow Resumption of Overseas Interrupted Mines and Further Decline in 2026 Long - Term TC Benchmark Price - The 2026 copper concentrate long - term TC/RC benchmark price was set at $0/dry ton and $0/lb, hitting a new low. The global copper concentrate supply growth in 2026 is expected to be less than 1.5% due to slow resumption of interrupted mines and postponed new mine projects. [22] - A strike at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde mine in Chile may cause losses of up to $160 million. Some mines such as Oyu Tolgoi, QB, and KFM have production increases or expansion plans. [23][24] 3.3.2 Flat Domestic Refined Copper Production in November and Hurdles in Overseas Refined Copper Capacity Release - In November, China's electrolytic copper production was 1.1034 million tons, a year - on - year increase of 9.8%. The stable production was due to high profits from by - products and sufficient copper concentrate imports. The 125,000 - ton cathode copper refining project of Sichuan Liangshan Copper will start production in March 2026. [32] - Overseas, some smelters have been shut down or reduced production due to low processing fees. For example, Glencore's PASAR and Altonorte smelters have stopped production. Some projects' production increases are postponed, and overall, overseas refined copper capacity release will slow down. [33] 3.3.3 Widening Year - on - Year Decline in Refined Copper Imports and Month - on - Month Rebound in Scrap Copper Imports - From January to November, China's imports of unwrought copper and copper products decreased by 19% year - on - year, and refined copper imports decreased by 8.3% year - on - year. In November, imports dropped significantly due to high US copper tariffs and port congestion. [53] - From January to November, scrap copper imports increased by 3.63% year - on - year. China will expand scrap copper imports from Southeast Asia and strengthen the recycling and utilization of scrap copper. However, policies have increased the tax burden on scrap copper rod enterprises, leading to supply tightening. [55] 3.3.4 Rising COMEX Inventories and Rebound of Domestic Social Inventories from Low Levels - Since December, domestic inventories have rebounded from low levels, and global visible inventories have continued to rise. COMEX copper inventories have exceeded 50% of the global total. The increase in domestic inventories is due to high copper prices suppressing consumption and reduced overseas supply. It is expected that global visible inventories will remain high and volatile in January 2026. [59][60][61] 3.3.5 Weak Demand in Traditional Industries and Large Growth Potential in Emerging Industries - In the power grid, investment growth has slowed, and the demand for copper in January 2026 may be restricted. [64][67] - In the photovoltaic and wind power sectors, the photovoltaic industry is in a critical stage of anti - involution, and wind power growth has marginally rebounded. However, the copper consumption in the wind and solar industries may decline by about 10% this year. [68][70] - The real estate market is still at the bottom, with investment, construction, and sales data showing a downward trend. The demand for copper is expected to remain low in January 2026. [71][72] - The air - conditioning industry is in adjustment. Domestic sales are under pressure in the short term, but the "trade - in" policy in 2026 will promote the industry's upgrade. [73][74] - The new - energy vehicle industry has maintained high - speed growth. Although the subsidy policy will change in 2026, the market demand space is still large, and sales are expected to maintain a high - speed growth in January 2026. [75][76][77] - The data center industry is accelerating due to AI computing power demand. It is expected that the copper consumption in data centers will increase by about 1.05 million tons in 2026. [78][79] 3.4 Market Outlook - Macroeconomically, the Fed is in an easing cycle, and China will implement expansionary policies. Fundamentally, supply disturbances intensify, and consumption shows a differentiation between traditional and emerging industries. It is predicted that copper prices will continue to rise strongly in January 2026, and attention should be paid to the internal linkages among gold, silver, and copper. [83]