Report Title - Supply shortage combined with weak US dollar expectations drive copper prices to new highs - January copper monthly report, released on January 5, 2026 [1] Report Industry Investment Rating - Not mentioned in the provided content Core Viewpoints - Weak US dollar expectations and concerns about supply shortages in the copper industry have pushed up copper prices, and demand from new energy, power, and AI computing still provides support. Copper prices are expected to remain strong at high levels in the short term, with limited downside potential for corrections. In the medium to long term, copper prices still have upward potential due to the increasing demand from global energy transformation, AI infrastructure, and power grid upgrades [5][92][93] Summary by Directory 1. Market Review - In December, copper prices reached new highs. Before the holiday, the main contract of Shanghai copper broke through the 100,000 yuan/ton mark, with a monthly increase of 12.6%. As of December 31, the closing price of Shanghai copper was 98,240 yuan/ton. Weak US dollar expectations and concerns about supply shortages in the industry pushed up copper prices, while demand from new energy, power, and AI computing still provided support. Traditional off - season led to a slowdown in downstream demand, and domestic copper inventory increased [5] 2. Macroeconomic Factor Analysis Overseas Macroeconomy - US inflation pressure has eased, with the CPI and core CPI in November lower than expected, reaching the lowest level since 2021. However, the accuracy of CPI data is in doubt due to the federal government shutdown. The employment market remains weak, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6% in November, the highest since September 2021. The comprehensive PMI in December hit a six - month low, and the dollar index weakened significantly [11][15] Domestic Macroeconomy - China's price level has rebounded, with the CPI in November rising by 0.7% year - on - year, the highest since March 2024. The PPI decreased by 2.2% year - on - year but increased by 0.1% month - on - month. Social financing growth has recovered, with the cumulative social financing scale from January to November reaching 33.39 trillion yuan, 3.99 trillion yuan more than the same period last year. The official manufacturing PMI in December returned to the expansion range, and the economic sentiment level improved [17][19] 3. Fundamental Analysis Mine Supply - In 2025, there were frequent disruptions in global copper mines, and the ICSG lowered the mine supply growth forecast from 2.3% to 1.4%. From January to October, the global copper concentrate production was 19.139 million tons, with a cumulative year - on - year increase of 1.93%, and the growth rate continued to decline. As of December 26, the domestic copper concentrate port inventory was 670,000 tons, a year - on - year decrease of 24.72% [29] Smelting - Due to the continuous shortage of copper mines, processing fees have reached historical lows. The long - term processing fee benchmark for copper concentrates in 2026 between Chinese leading smelters and Antofagasta is $0/ton and 0 cents/pound, a significant drop from 2025. As of December 31, the spot rough smelting fee for copper concentrates was - $44.76/ton [31] Refined Copper - In December, China's electrolytic copper production was 1.178 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 6.8% and a year - on - year increase of 7.54%. The cumulative production from January to December increased by 1.372 million tons year - on - year, an increase of 11.38%. The capacity utilization rate in December was 83.30%, a month - on - month increase of 5.12 percentage points [35] Imports and Exports - In November, China's electrolytic copper imports decreased, with a total import volume of 269,200 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 3.84% and a year - on - year decrease of 25.20%. Exports increased significantly, with a total export volume of 143,000 tons, a month - on - month increase of 116.83% and a year - on - year increase of 1128.13% [39] Scrap Copper - In November, China's scrap copper imports increased, with an import volume of 208,143.09 tons, a month - on - month increase of 5.87% and a year - on - year increase of 19.99%. In December, the含税 price difference between refined copper and scrap copper continued to widen due to the sharp increase in copper prices [44] Processing - High copper prices have severely suppressed downstream orders, and the operating rates of refined copper rods and recycled copper rods are under pressure. In December, the high copper prices are expected to suppress the year - end production plans of some enterprises. The copper foil industry has high prosperity, but the high copper prices at the end of the year may suppress the operating rate [45][49] Terminal Demand - In the power sector, investment in power projects has slowed down, but the installed capacity of wind and photovoltaic power has increased steadily. The real estate market is still at the bottom, with new construction, completion, and sales areas all showing significant year - on - year declines. The new energy vehicle industry maintains high prosperity, and the growth rate of home appliance production has slowed down [53][57][60] Inventory - As of January 2, the copper inventory on the Shanghai Futures Exchange increased by 63.49% month - on - month. As of December 31, the domestic social copper inventory increased by 21.84% month - on - month. The COMEX copper inventory continued to increase, while the LME copper inventory decreased slightly [64][71] Premiums and Discounts - In December, the spot premium of Shanghai copper decreased significantly, while the LME copper spot/3 - month turned to a slight premium, and the New York - London copper price difference continued to decline [75] Domestic and Overseas Positions - As of December 31, the trading volume of Shanghai copper increased significantly. As of December 24, the net long positions of LME copper investment companies and credit institutions decreased significantly. As of December 23, the net long positions of COMEX copper asset management institutions continued to increase [77] 4. Technical Analysis - Technically, the price center of Shanghai copper has continuously risen and broken through new highs. After breaking through the 100,000 yuan/ton mark before the holiday and then falling back, the 100,000 yuan/ton mark will become an important psychological and technical dividing line, and it will become an important support level after the copper price breaks through [86] 5. Market Outlook - Fundamentally, the US inflation risk has slowed down, but the employment market is still weak. The Fed still has room for interest rate cuts, and the weak US dollar is expected to boost metal prices. The copper mine supply is continuously tight, and the copper price is expected to remain high and volatile in the short term. In the medium to long term, due to the increasing demand from global energy transformation, AI infrastructure, and power grid upgrades, the copper price still has upward potential. It is recommended to close long positions at high levels and wait and see or go long on dips [92][93]

1. Industry Investment Rating - No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The market sentiment is positive, and the non - ferrous metals sector has been strengthening. Different non - ferrous metals have different market trends and influencing factors. Copper prices may fluctuate, zinc prices are expected to range - bound, and nickel and stainless steel prices may run strongly in the short term [1][9][85][193] 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Non - ferrous Metal Price Monitoring - The report monitors the closing prices of various non - ferrous metals, including the US dollar index, exchange rate, and prices of industrial silicon, lithium carbonate, copper, aluminum, zinc, lead, nickel, tin, alumina, and stainless steel, and provides their daily, weekly, and annual price changes [6] 3.2 Copper (CU) - **Influencing Factors and Driving Forces** - **Macro Factors**: Positive. China's manufacturing PMI returned to the expansion range, and the Fed may cut interest rates [9] - **Raw Material End**: Positive. Copper ore supply is tight, and processing fees are low [9] - **Smelting End**: Neutral. The losses of smelters using spot copper ore have narrowed slightly, while those using long - term contracts have increased profits [9] - **Demand End**: Negative. High copper prices have led to a decline in downstream demand and a drop in the operating rate of refined copper rods [9] - **Inventory**: Negative. Global copper inventories have increased [9] - **Investment Viewpoint**: The copper price is expected to fluctuate. Although the industrial situation is weak, the positive macro - sentiment and the existence of the US - copper premium have pushed up the copper price. However, there is a short - term adjustment risk. - **Trading Strategy**: Go long on dips for unilateral trading; no arbitrage strategy is recommended [9] 3.3 Zinc (ZN) - **Influencing Factors and Driving Forces** - **Macro Factors**: Slightly positive. The Fed may cut interest rates, and China's manufacturing PMI has improved [85] - **Raw Material End**: Slightly positive. Domestic zinc concentrate supply is tight, and the cost support for zinc prices is strong [85] - **Smelting End**: Negative. The supply of zinc ingots is expected to increase in January, and the domestic surplus pattern may gradually emerge [85] - **Demand End**: Negative. The operating rate of galvanizing has declined, and environmental protection warnings may affect the operating rate [85] - **Inventory**: Negative. Although the social inventory has decreased, the inventory transfer trend is expected to reverse [85] - **Investment Viewpoint**: The zinc price is expected to range - bound. The cost center of zinc smelting is stable, and the domestic surplus expectation may gradually appear, but the short - term macro - sentiment is still positive [85] - **Trading Strategy**: Range - bound for unilateral trading; conduct long - short arbitrage between domestic and foreign markets [85] 3.4 Nickel - Stainless Steel (NI·SS) - **Influencing Factors and Driving Forces** - **Macro Factors**: Slightly positive. The Fed's interest - rate cut cycle continues, and China has implemented relevant policies. However, geopolitical risks have resurfaced [193] - **Raw Material End**: Positive. Indonesia plans to reduce nickel ore production, and domestic port inventories are decreasing [193] - **Smelting End**: Neutral. The production of pure nickel has declined slightly, and the production of nickel - iron and stainless steel has also been affected [193] - **Demand End**: Neutral. The social inventory of stainless steel has decreased, but the demand for new energy has weakened [193] - **Inventory**: Slightly negative. The global nickel inventory is at a high level, although the accumulation speed has slowed down [193] - **Investment Viewpoint**: The nickel price may run strongly in the short term, but there is a risk of correction in the long term. The stainless - steel price is expected to fluctuate strongly [193] - **Trading Strategy**: Go long on dips for short - term trading for nickel; for stainless steel, go long on dips for short - term trading, and enterprises can wait for opportunities to sell short for hedging [193]

Market Performance - The U.K. stock market's benchmark FTSE 100 surpassed the 10,000 mark for the first time in history, driven by strong buying in defense, mining, and energy sectors [1] - The FTSE 100 index gained nearly 22% in 2025 and started the new year positively, reaching a record high of 10,051.90 [1] Company Gains - Fresnillo increased by 2.7%, Glencore by 1.6%, and Anglo American Plc by 1% [2] - Rolls-Royce Holdings rose over 2.5%, Babcock International by 1.8%, and BP by approximately 1.7% [2] - Other companies such as IAG, Entain, SSE, HSBC Holdings, BAE Systems, Burberry Group, and JD Sports Fashion saw gains between 1.3% and 1.6% [2][3] Company Losses - Companies like Auto Trader Group, British Land, DCC, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and others experienced losses ranging from 1% to 1.7% [4] Housing Market Data - UK house prices grew at the slowest pace since April 2024, with an annual growth of 0.6% in December, down from 1.8% in November [4] - On a monthly basis, house prices dropped by 0.4%, contrasting with a 0.3% increase in November [5] - The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.6 in November, revised down from a preliminary estimate of 51.2, but above market expectations of 50.4 [5]

Market Overview - The mood in the markets remained cautious due to New Year's Eve closures, with traders largely sidelined ahead of the holiday [1] - U.K.'s FTSE 100 ended down by 0.09%, France's CAC 40 settled lower by 0.23%, and the pan European Stoxx 600 edged down 0.08% [1] Yearly Performance - The CAC 40 gained over 10% in the year, while DAX jumped over 22% and U.K.'s FTSE 100 climbed 21.6%, marking the strongest performance since 2009 [2] - Switzerland's SMI advanced nearly 15% [2] Company Performance - In the U.K. market, companies such as Pershing Square Holdings, Anglo American Plc, Marks & Spencer, British Land, and 3i Group gained between 0.5% to 1.1% [2] - Conversely, Fresnillo and Croda International closed lower by 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively, with other companies like Beazley, Experian, Diploma, Antofagasta, Ashtead Group, and Schroders also ending notably lower [3] - In the French market, Stellantis, TotalEnergies, Societe Generale, Publicis Groupe, Unibail Rodamco, Capgemini, Bouygues, and AXA closed weak, while LVMH, Kering, Accor, STMicroElectronics, and Edenred closed higher [3]

Market Overview - European stocks experienced a broad increase, with the pan European Stoxx 600 climbing 0.56% and major indices such as the U.K.'s FTSE 100, Germany's DAX, and France's CAC 40 also showing gains of 0.5%, 0.57%, and 0.56% respectively [1] Sector Performance - In the resources, defense, and banking sectors, there was notable buying activity as investors prepared for the New Year holidays [1] - In the German market, Rheinmetall and Infineon saw increases of 2.5% and 2.7% respectively, while other companies like Bayer, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank gained between 1% to 1.7% [2] - The French market saw gains from Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, and Credit Agricole, which increased by 1.8%, 1.3%, and 1.2% respectively, along with other companies like Hermes International and Airbus moving up by 1% to 1.2% [2] UK Market Highlights - In the UK, mining companies such as Fresnillo, Anglo American Plc, and Antofagasta reported significant gains of 5.6%, 2.6%, and 2.5% respectively, with other miners like Glencore and Rio Tinto also showing sharp increases [3] - Bank stocks including Barclays, Standard Chartered, and HSBC Holdings rose by 1% to 1.5% [3] Weak Performers - DCC experienced a decline of about 2%, along with other companies like Experian and Compass Group which also traded weak [4]

Group 1: European Market Performance - The pan-European Stoxx 600 index increased by 0.4% to surpass 590 points, marking a new record [1] - European stocks gained momentum, particularly in a holiday-shortened trading week [1] - Mining stocks led the blue-chip index, with Fresnillo rising by 5.3%, while peers Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore saw increases between 2.3% and 2% [1] Group 2: Precious Metals Market - Gold futures rose by 1.4%, trading at $4,403.10 per ounce, while silver surged by 5.6% to $74.42 per ounce [2] - Silver experienced volatility, reaching a record high before experiencing its worst day since 2021 [2] Group 3: Defense Sector Performance - Defense stocks rebounded by midday Tuesday, with Renk and Rheinmetall each rising about 2%, and year-to-date gains approaching 200% [3] - The sector faced initial losses due to peace talks between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, but showed recovery as discussions continued [3] Group 4: Asia-Pacific Market Trends - Asia-Pacific markets mostly declined following a tech sell-off on Wall Street, driven by concerns over an AI bubble [4] - Notable declines were observed in major tech stocks, including Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Meta Platforms, and Oracle [4] - U.S. stocks were slightly lower in premarket trading, with minimal movements from big tech names [4]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the content. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the short - to medium - term, before the New Year's Day, funds take profits, causing base metals to rise and then fall. However, the logic of weak US dollar expectation and supply disruption concerns remains unchanged. After copper, aluminum, and tin stop falling, low - buying and long - position opportunities can be considered. In the long - term, there are still expectations of potential incremental stimulus policies in China, and supply disruption issues for copper, aluminum, and tin still exist, with expectations of tightening supply and demand, so the price trends of copper, aluminum, and tin are optimistic [1]. - Different metals have different price trends: copper prices are expected to be strong due to strong supply contraction expectations; alumina prices are under pressure with weak cost support; aluminum prices are expected to be oscillating and strong due to positive macro expectations; aluminum alloy prices are expected to be oscillating and strong with cost support; zinc prices will oscillate with non - ferrous metals due to the divergence of domestic and foreign inventory trends; lead prices may weaken in supply and demand despite rebounding with non - ferrous metals; nickel prices will oscillate due to Indonesian policy expectations; stainless steel prices will oscillate as nickel iron prices rise; tin prices will oscillate at a high level due to the resilience of rigid demand [2]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1行情观点 3.1.1 Copper - Information: China's copper smelters set the 2026 copper concentrate long - term processing fee benchmark at $0/ton and $0/pound. In November 2025, China's electrolytic copper production increased month - on - month and year - on - year, and the cumulative increase from January to November was 11.76%. On December 29, the spot price of 1 electrolytic copper was at a discount to the contract [7]. - Logic: The US economy is resilient, and the Fed's interest - rate cut and balance - sheet expansion support copper prices. Copper mine supply disruptions increase, and the long - term processing fee hits a record low. Chinese copper smelters plan to reduce production, strengthening the supply contraction expectation. Demand is weak in the off - season, and LME's position limit reduces the risk of a short squeeze [7]. - Outlook: Copper prices are expected to be oscillating and strong [7]. 3.1.2 Alumina - Information: On December 29, the northern spot comprehensive price of alumina rose, and the national weighted index also increased. The alumina warehouse receipt decreased [7][8]. - Logic: Macro sentiment amplifies price fluctuations. High - cost production capacity fluctuates, but the supply contraction is insufficient, and the inventory is still accumulating. Raw material prices are weak, and the cost support is general. The warehouse receipt is being destocked, but there is pressure on the upper side of the price [8]. - Outlook: Alumina prices are expected to oscillate [8]. 3.1.3 Aluminum - Information: On December 29, the average price of SMM AOO aluminum increased, and the inventory of aluminum ingots and aluminum rods rose. In November 2025, China's unforged aluminum and aluminum product exports decreased year - on - year but increased month - on - month. South32 raised the offer price of aluminum ingot premiums to Japan [9]. - Logic: The macro outlook is positive. Domestic production capacity is high, while overseas power shortages may tighten supply in the long term. High aluminum prices suppress demand, and inventory accumulates [9][10]. - Outlook: In the short - term, aluminum prices are expected to be oscillating and strong. In the medium - term, the price center may rise [10]. 3.1.4 Aluminum Alloy - Information: On December 29, the price of Baotai ADC12 increased, and the warehouse receipt increased. An Indonesian electrolytic aluminum project started trial production [11]. - Logic: The supply of scrap aluminum is tight, providing strong cost support. The weekly operating rate increased, but there are still risks of production cuts in the medium - term. Demand may weaken marginally after the end of the automotive seasonal sales rush [11]. - Outlook: In the short - and medium - term, aluminum alloy prices are expected to be oscillating and strong [11]. 3.1.5 Zinc - Information: On December 29, the spot prices of zinc in different regions had different premiums to the main contract. As of December 29, SMM's seven - region zinc ingot inventory decreased. In November 2025, China's zinc concentrate imports increased [12][13]. - Logic: The macro outlook is positive. Short - term zinc ore supply is tight, and smelter profits decline, reducing zinc ingot production. Domestic consumption is in the off - season, and demand is average. In the short - term, zinc ingot exports will continue, and social inventory may decline. In the long - term, supply may increase while demand growth is limited [13]. - Outlook: In the short - term, zinc prices will oscillate at a high level. In the long - term, there is a possibility of price decline [13]. 3.1.6 Lead - Information: On December 29, the price of waste electric vehicle batteries increased, and the price of lead ingots also rose. The social inventory of lead ingots decreased, and the futures warehouse receipt increased slightly [14]. - Logic: The spot premium decreased, and the original - recycled price difference increased. The price of waste batteries rose, expanding the smelting profit of recycled lead, and production is expected to increase. Demand from electric bicycles weakens, and the battery factory's operating rate declines marginally [14][15]. - Outlook: Lead prices are expected to oscillate [15]. 3.1.7 Nickel - Information: On December 29, the Shanghai nickel warehouse receipt increased, and the LME nickel inventory decreased. The average price of high - nickel pig iron rose. Indonesia plans to revise the nickel ore RKAB and the mineral benchmark price calculation formula [15][16][17]. - Logic: Domestic nickel production decreased in November, but Indonesian production increased, and overall supply pressure remains. Demand is in the off - season, and the market is weak. If Indonesia's RKAB plan is implemented, the supply - demand balance will improve [18]. - Outlook: Nickel prices are expected to oscillate, and attention should be paid to policy implementation [18]. 3.1.8 Stainless Steel - Information: The stainless steel futures warehouse receipt decreased. The average price of high - nickel pig iron rose. Some Indonesian nickel mines face fines [19]. - Logic: Nickel iron prices rise, providing cost support. Stainless steel production is expected to decline in December. Inventory may accumulate in the off - season, and the warehouse receipt is at a low level [20]. - Outlook: Stainless steel prices are expected to oscillate, and attention should be paid to Indonesian policy changes [21]. 3.1.9 Tin - Information: On December 29, the LME tin warehouse receipt increased, and the Shanghai tin warehouse receipt decreased. The spot price of tin ingots rose [21]. - Logic: Tin supply is a major concern. Chinese imports from Myanmar increase, but there are still risks. Indonesian supply may be restricted in Q1 2026. African production is limited. Demand is expected to increase due to the global economic environment and the growth of related industries [21]. - Outlook: Tin prices are expected to be oscillating and strong [21]. 3.2行情监测 - Copper: No specific monitoring information provided [24]. - Alumina: No specific monitoring information provided [39]. - Aluminum: No specific monitoring information provided [52]. - Aluminum Alloy: No specific monitoring information provided [65]. - Zinc: No specific monitoring information provided [76]. - Lead: No specific monitoring information provided [89]. - Nickel: No specific monitoring information provided [103]. - Stainless Steel: No specific monitoring information provided [119]. - Tin: No specific monitoring information provided [129]. 3.3中信期货商品指数 - On December 29, 2025, the comprehensive index was 2339.89, down 0.59%; the commodity 20 index was 2687.93, down 0.42%; the industrial products index was 2258.87, down 0.70%. The non - ferrous metals index was 2676.44, with a daily decline of 0.01%, a 5 - day increase of 3.18%, a 1 - month increase of 6.45%, and a year - to - date increase of 15.95% [147][149].

Core Viewpoint - The copper futures price is expected to rise strongly and historically exceed 100,000 yuan per ton by the end of 2025, driven by macroeconomic policies, supply constraints, and structural shortages [1] Group 1: Macroeconomic Environment - China's macroeconomic policy for 2026 is set to focus on "stability while seeking progress," aiming to expand domestic demand and optimize structure, which will resonate with the copper market fundamentals [1] - The global macroeconomic environment is characterized as "stable but fragile," with uncertainties from policy shifts, geopolitical conflicts, and protectionism affecting copper prices [2] - The Federal Reserve is expected to shift its policy focus and begin a rate-cutting cycle in September 2025, which will support copper prices through a weaker dollar [2] Group 2: Supply Constraints - The global copper supply faces fundamental challenges due to hard resource constraints, with limited new discoveries since 2015 and a long lead time for new projects [3] - The average grade of global copper mines has declined from 0.68% in 2001 to 0.45% in 2023, leading to increased mining costs and reduced efficiency [3] - Supply chain disruptions in 2025, including power outages and natural disasters, have significantly impacted copper production, exacerbated by geopolitical risks and policy changes in key producing countries [3] Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The copper concentrate processing fees have sharply declined, marking the industry’s entry into a "zero processing fee era," with significant implications for profitability [4] - Despite the profit squeeze, China's electrolytic copper production increased by 11.76% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2025, supported by long-term contracts and favorable prices for by-products [4] - The industry is undergoing a supply-side reform, shifting focus from expansion to resource security and reasonable profits, driven by policy constraints and industry self-discipline [5] Group 4: Import Trends - In the first 11 months of 2025, China's electrolytic copper imports decreased by 8.12% year-on-year, with a notable decline in the second half of the year [6] - The Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed Chile as China's largest supplier of electrolytic copper, driven by increased imports of cost-effective "non-registered" brand copper [6] Group 5: Demand Drivers - Investment in the power sector is shifting towards grid upgrades, with significant investments expected to support copper demand, particularly in the context of energy transition [7] - The automotive industry is experiencing strong growth, especially in the electric vehicle segment, which has a higher copper usage per vehicle, driving marginal demand for copper [7] - Copper is increasingly recognized as a strategic resource essential for global energy transition and AI infrastructure, enhancing its long-term price outlook [8]

Market Overview - Major U.S. index futures indicate a lower open on Monday, with stocks expected to give back gains after a strong performance last week [1] - Profit taking may contribute to initial weakness as traders look to cash in on recent gains ahead of the year-end [1] - The Dow and S&P 500 reached record closing highs last Thursday before slightly declining on Friday [1] Tech Sector Performance - A pullback in big-name tech companies, including Oracle, which is down over 2 percent in pre-market trading, may weigh on the market [2] - Nvidia and Micron Technology also show notable pre-market weakness after strong gains last week [2] Trading Activity - Stocks showed a lack of direction on Friday, with major averages bouncing around the unchanged line before closing slightly lower [3] - The S&P 500 reached a new record intraday high before closing down 2.11 points, or less than 0.1 percent, at 6,929.94 [3] Weekly Performance - Despite choppy trading, major averages posted strong weekly gains: S&P 500 up 1.4 percent, Dow and Nasdaq both up 1.2 percent [4] Sector Movements - Gold stocks showed significant strength, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index climbing 1.4 percent to a new record closing high [6] - Steel stocks also performed well, while airline and telecom stocks experienced moderate declines [6] Commodity and Currency Markets - Crude oil futures surged $1.41 to $58.15 a barrel after a previous drop [7] - Gold futures fell $84.30 to $4,460.40 an ounce after a significant increase in the prior session [7] - The U.S. dollar is trading at 156.26 yen, down from 156.54 yen, and at $1.1767 against the euro, slightly down from $1.1771 [7] Asian Market Performance - Asian stock markets displayed mixed performance amid weak sentiment from Wall Street futures and rising geopolitical tensions [8] - China's Shanghai Composite Index edged higher, recording a nine-session winning streak [9] European Market Performance - European stocks fluctuated between gains and losses amid cautious trading, with defense stocks declining due to progress in Ukraine peace talks [15] - The German DAX Index fell by 0.1 percent, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index and the French CAC 40 Index rose by 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively [15] Economic Indicators - The National Association of Realtors is set to release a report on pending home sales, expected to increase by 0.8 percent in November [20] - The Energy Information Administration will report on crude oil inventories, anticipated to decrease by 2.6 million barrels [21]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The macro - expectation is positive for copper as the Fed's rate - cut expectation boosts non - ferrous metals, domestic policy expectations are rising, and major overseas economies are implementing fiscal expansions. Fundamentally, global copper mine supply is restricted, and the growth rate of refined copper production is expected to slow down. Although the domestic demand growth rate may slow down, there will still be a supply - demand gap in the global copper market in 2026. Therefore, the Shanghai copper market is expected to continue an upward trend, and a long - position approach is recommended [3][4] 3. Summary According to the Directory 3.1 Macro - The US inflation is slowing down, the labor market is weakening, and the rate - cut expectation boosts non - ferrous metals. In November, the US CPI slowed to 2.7% year - on - year, the core CPI slowed to 2.6% year - on - year, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%. The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points in December, and launched a short - term Treasury purchase plan of about $40 billion per month [7][8] - In China, fixed - asset investment is slowing down, and policy expectations are rising. As of November 2025, the cumulative year - on - year growth of manufacturing investment was 1.9%, infrastructure investment (excluding power, heat, gas, and water production and supply) decreased by 1.1% year - on - year, and real estate development investment decreased by 15.9% year - on - year. The Central Economic Work Conference in December focused on stabilizing the real estate market, and the National Fiscal Work Conference stated that a more proactive fiscal policy would continue in 2026 [10][11] - Major overseas economies are implementing fiscal expansions. Germany will increase its federal debt issuance by about 20% in 2026, Japan will launch its largest - scale initial budget, and the US will have additional fiscal expenditures of about $480 billion in 2026. The PPI shows an upward trend, and attention should be paid to the start of the replenishment cycle [12][14] 3.2 Supply - The growth rate of global copper mine production is expected to be limited. In 2025, the growth rate of global copper mine production was adjusted down to 1.4% due to production cuts in some mines, and in 2026, it is expected to be 2.3% due to new and expanded production capacities in some countries [19][20] - In China, the supply of copper concentrates is in short supply, imports are increasing year - on - year, and port inventories are relatively low. From January to November 2025, copper ore and concentrate imports increased by 8.2% year - on - year, and as of mid - December 2025, port copper concentrate inventories decreased compared with the same period last year [22][23] - By - products improve the loss situation of smelters, and copper concentrate supply is tight, putting pressure on processing fees. In 2025, the TC of imported copper concentrates was in the negative range, and the long - term processing fee for copper concentrates in 2026 was set at 0 [25][26] - The growth rate of global refined copper production is expected to slow down in 2026. The growth rate is expected to slow down to 0.9% in 2026 due to limited copper concentrate supply. China's CSPT will cut the capacity load of mine - copper by more than 10% in 2026, affecting about 1 million tons of global refined copper supply [27][30] - The refined copper market shows a pattern of "strong overseas and weak domestic", with significant import inversion and a decline in net imports. From January to November 2025, China's refined copper imports decreased year - on - year, and exports increased year - on - year [32][33] 3.3 Demand - Driven by supply - capacity expansion and demand increase, China's copper product output increased. From January to November 2025, the cumulative output of copper products increased by 8.8% year - on - year [36][37] - The output of refined copper rods increased. New capacity, demand growth, and substitution effects contributed to the increase in output in 2025. The output of recycled copper rods decreased, driving some demand to refined copper rods [38][39] - The output of copper strips slightly decreased, while the output of copper foils increased significantly. The demand for copper strips is expected to be differentiated, and the demand for copper foils is driven by energy - storage and new - energy vehicle consumption [40][41] - The output of copper tubes was affected by air - conditioner production scheduling, with a significant year - on - year decline in the fourth quarter. From January to November 2025, the cumulative output of copper tubes decreased by 0.3% year - on - year [43][44] - Real - estate demand dragged down the performance of copper rods. From January to November 2025, the cumulative output of copper rods decreased by 1.4% year - on - year [46][47] - The demand for power - grid construction increased significantly, while the growth rate of power - source investment slowed down. In 2025, the cumulative power - grid investment increased by 7.17% year - on - year, and in 2026, it is expected to continue to grow [48][50] - The growth of the global photovoltaic market is expected to slow down in 2026. In 2025, the new photovoltaic installed capacity in China increased significantly, but in 2026, the growth rate will slow down due to policy adjustments, grid - absorption pressure, etc. [51][53] - The global wind - power industry is expected to remain prosperous in 2026. In 2025, the new installed capacity of wind - power in China increased significantly, and from 2026 - 2028, the average annual growth rate of onshore and offshore wind - power is expected to be high [54][55] - The domestic real - estate market is expected to be stabilized. The Central Economic Work Conference in December focused on stabilizing the real - estate market, and in 2025, the decline in real - estate indicators narrowed [56][58] - The growth rate of home - appliance consumption is expected to slow down in 2026. Although there is still policy support in 2026, the growth rate will slow down both domestically and overseas [60][61] - The production and sales of new - energy vehicles in China continued to grow significantly in 2025. In 2026, the growth rate will slow down due to the change in vehicle - purchase tax policy [63][68] 3.4 Inventory - Global copper inventory shows obvious regional differentiation. High prices will suppress demand in the short term, leading to an increase in social inventory. As of mid - December 2025, domestic electrolytic copper and bonded - area electrolytic copper inventories increased compared with the same period last year [71][72] - There is a concern about a short squeeze in the LME copper market. In 2026, there will be a supply - demand gap in the global copper market. The growth rate of global refined copper production will slow down to 0.9% in 2026, and the demand growth rate will slow down to 2.1%, resulting in a supply - demand gap of 150,000 tons [73][74]