1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The investment rating of manganese silicon/silicon iron is "Oscillating" [7] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The ferroalloy industry will continue to face over - capacity in 2026, with planned new capacity additions. The industry's supply elasticity is high, and profit recovery will stimulate supply. Manganese ore cost provides some support for manganese silicon, and the demand for magnesium metal offers marginal support for silicon iron. With expected electricity price cuts in 2026, overall cost support will weaken, and ferroalloy prices are likely to remain weak [4] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. 2025 Ferroalloy Market Review - **Manganese Silicon**: The market showed a rise - then - fall pattern in 2025. In Q1, manganese ore price increases drove up costs and prices, followed by a decline due to increased supply and weak demand. In Q2, there was a rebound and then a fall. In Q3, prices strengthened with cost support, and in Q4, the market entered a weak - oscillating phase [14] - **Silicon Iron**: The market trended downwards in 2025. In Q1, weak demand and supply contraction led to a lack of price support. In Q2, cost reduction and weak demand pushed prices down. In Q3, cost increases drove up prices, and in Q4, the market declined again due to cost weakening and supply pressure [17] 2. Manganese Silicon: Continuous Capacity Expansion, Weakening Cost Support 2.1 Manganese Ore Support Limited, Electricity Price Declining - **Manganese Ore Supply Recovery, Limited Price Support**: In 2025, manganese ore prices first rose, then fell, and finally oscillated. The increase in Q1 was due to reduced Gabonese ore arrivals and concentrated cargo rights. After Q2, supply increased, and prices stabilized. China's manganese ore imports increased by 11% in 2025. In 2026, the supply increase will mainly come from South32's recovery, with an expected net import increase of 300,000 - 400,000 tons [25][26][35] - **Port Manganese Ore Inventory Rising from Low Levels**: In 2025, port inventory decreased in H1 and increased in H2. In 2026, inventory accumulation is expected to be limited. High ferromanganese slag production also affected inventory [41] - **Other Costs Weakening**: In 2026, coking coal prices are expected to have a bottom - up but limited - upside trend. Electricity prices are likely to decline due to the increase in new energy capacity, with a potential reduction of 2 - 3 cents per kWh in Northwest China [56] 2.2 New Capacity Coming into Operation - The manganese silicon industry is over - capacity, but low - electricity - price regions like Inner Mongolia have cost advantages, leading to continuous capacity expansion. In 2026, the planned new capacity is about 2.8632 million tons, and supply will increase [58] 2.3 Manganese Silicon Supply - Demand Summary and Balance Sheet - **Supply**: Supply will increase in 2026 due to new capacity in low - cost regions [72] - **Cost**: The cost - reduction pressure mainly comes from electricity prices, with a possible 2 - 3 cent per kWh reduction in Northwest China [72] - **Demand**: In 2026, steel demand is expected to be flat, and manganese silicon demand will be under pressure due to weak building material demand [72] - **Overall**: The 2026 manganese silicon market will have "increasing supply and stable demand", with a price range of 5,200 - 6,300 yuan/ton [73] 3. Silicon Iron: Increasing Supply, Weak Demand Support 3.1 Over - Capacity, Reduced Supply in High - Cost Regions - In 2025, silicon iron production decreased, with a "high - then - low" pattern. High - cost regions like Qinghai and Gansu reduced production. In 2026, new capacity of about 1.038 million tons is expected, mainly in cost - advantage regions [77][78] 3.2 Cost Reduction - In 2026, electricity prices are expected to decline by 2 - 3 cents per kWh in Northwest China. Lanthanum coke prices may also fall, leading to a lower cost center for silicon iron [83] 3.3 Steel Demand Stable, Export Declining, Magnesium Metal Supporting - **Export**: In 2025, silicon iron exports were high. In 2026, exports may decline due to high tariffs and potential competition from Ukraine [92] - **Magnesium Metal**: In 2026, the demand for magnesium alloy is expected to increase, providing some support for silicon iron, but the proportion is small [92] - **Steel**: In 2026, steel demand is expected to be stable, having a neutral impact on silicon iron demand [93] 3.4 Silicon Iron Supply - Demand Summary and Balance Sheet - **Supply**: New capacity will be concentrated in cost - advantage regions, with an expected increase in 2026 [96] - **Cost**: Electricity and coal prices are expected to decline, weakening cost support [96] - **Demand**: Exports may decline, and magnesium metal demand will provide limited support. Steel demand will be stable [96] - **Overall**: In 2026, the silicon iron market may have increasing supply and demand, with a price range of 5,000 - 6,000 yuan/ton [97]

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].

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]

Market Performance - Asian stock markets exhibited mixed performance, influenced by weak sentiment in Wall Street Futures and rising geopolitical tensions [1] - The Shanghai Composite Index increased by 2 points or 0.04% to close at 3,965.28, marking a nine-session winning streak [2] - The Japanese Nikkei 225 index decreased by 256 points or 0.51% to finish at 50,494.00 [2] - The Korean Kospi Index rose by 91 points or 2.2% to close at 4,220.56 [4] - The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong fell by 184 points or 0.71% to end at 25,635.23 [4] - Australia's S&P/ASX200 index dropped by 37 points or 0.42% to close at 8,725.70 [5] - The NZX 50 in New Zealand decreased by 3 points or 0.02% to finish at 13,525.99 [7] Company Performance - Itochu Corp saw a significant increase of 5.3%, while Sumitomo Metal Mining and Fujikura both gained nearly 4% [3] - South32, Block, and Zip all rallied more than 2% [6] - Netwealth Group experienced a decline of 6.4%, followed by DroneShield with a 4.9% drop [6] - Pacific Edge led gains in New Zealand with a surge of 5.3% [7] - Investore Property topped losses with a decline of 1.7% [8] Geopolitical and Economic Factors - Geopolitical concerns regarding China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, along with thin trading ahead of New Year holidays, limited market gains [1]

Group 1 - Precious metals have seen a rapid increase this week, driven by a better-than-expected decline in the US CPI, opening up room for interest rate cuts in 2026, and improving the probability of a soft landing [1][2] - Domestic funds have gained pricing power in the absence of overseas markets, leading to historic price movements for silver, platinum, and palladium, while gold has underperformed in this period [1][2] - Short-term outlook remains positive for precious metals due to inflows from ETF allocations amid interest rate cut trades, with a long-term view favoring continued holding despite volatility [2] Group 2 - Copper prices are expected to rise again, with Shanghai copper increasing by 5.95% this week, surpassing the 100,000 yuan mark, influenced by improved market sentiment following the US CPI decline [2] - The anticipated supply-demand tightness in copper for 2026 is supported by downward adjustments in production forecasts from Freeport and Teck Resources, alongside expectations of increased fiscal spending from the US government [2] Group 3 - Aluminum prices increased by 0.99% this week, following copper price trends, with low inventory levels reported at 617,000 tons, indicating a slight increase from earlier in the week [3] - Despite being in a traditional off-season, demand from automotive, power, and electronics sectors remains resilient, suggesting a stable outlook for aluminum prices [3] Group 4 - Nickel prices have surged due to a shift in market expectations, with Indonesia planning to reduce nickel production quotas for 2026 by approximately 34% compared to 2025 levels [4] - The actual production in Indonesia is expected to be significantly lower than the approved quotas, which may lead to upward pressure on nickel prices in the long term [4] Group 5 - Tungsten prices have experienced fluctuations, remaining above 450,000 yuan per ton, but have recently declined due to profit-taking by suppliers and concerns over mining quotas at the beginning of the year [5] - The supply of tungsten is expected to continue declining in 2026, with limited large-scale substitution from high-speed steel products, indicating that tungsten prices may remain high [5] Group 6 - Investment recommendations include companies such as Shengda Resources, Xingye Silver Tin, Chifeng Gold, Shenhuo Co., and Zijin Mining [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the critical dependence of the U.S. AI industry and military on Chinese battery technology, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to develop its own battery supply chain to ensure national security and technological leadership [1][4][5]. Group 1: Dependence on Chinese Batteries - U.S. data centers, crucial for AI, are increasingly reliant on large lithium-ion batteries, predominantly sourced from China, which leads in all industrial aspects of battery production [4][9]. - The U.S. military's reliance on Chinese battery components for weapon systems poses a national security threat, with approximately 6,000 battery components sourced from China [5][6]. - The Biden administration is shifting its focus to support domestic battery production to reduce reliance on China, recognizing battery technology as essential for both AI and defense sectors [6][8]. Group 2: Challenges in Developing Domestic Battery Industry - Experts indicate that establishing a U.S. battery industry independent of China will be extremely challenging, as China produces 99% of the world's lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and over 90% of key components [9][12]. - The U.S. has lithium reserves and battery startups, but competing with China will require coordinated efforts and government support, with estimates suggesting at least five years to meet domestic LFP battery demand [9][12]. - Environmental regulations in the U.S. may increase the cost of extracting key minerals, further complicating the development of a competitive domestic battery supply chain [9][12]. Group 3: Strategic Importance of Battery Technology - The article discusses the strategic importance of reliable power supply for data centers, which require high uptime and are increasingly dependent on battery backup systems to prevent data loss during power outages [12][13]. - AI's energy demands are significantly higher than traditional internet services, necessitating robust power infrastructure to support fluctuating energy needs [13][14]. - The military's future capabilities are heavily reliant on battery technology, with a growing demand for batteries in various military applications, including drones and advanced weapon systems [17][18]. Group 4: Government Initiatives and Investments - The Biden administration has begun investing in battery component companies and has allocated up to $500 million for battery materials and recycling projects [8][19]. - Recent legislation includes restrictions on the Pentagon's procurement of batteries from "foreign entities of concern," primarily targeting China [8][19]. - The government is recognizing the need for a robust domestic battery industry, with discussions around energy policy and battery supply chain issues taking place at high levels [8][20].

Macro Overview - Precious metals such as gold and silver continue to reach new highs, while the RMB exchange rate has broken the 7 mark [2] - Major global stock markets saw increases, with the Nikkei 225 up 2.5% and the S&P 500 up 1.4% [3] - Commodity prices generally rose, with COMEX copper increasing by 6.7% and London gold rising by 4.4% [3] Economic Indicators - The US economy showed strong growth in Q3, with GDP increasing by 2.33% year-on-year and 4.30% quarter-on-quarter [4] - Industrial output in the US exceeded expectations, with a year-on-year increase of 2.29% in November [4] - In Europe, crude steel production fell to 102 million tons in November, a decrease of 4.67% year-on-year [4] Policy Developments - The US has postponed additional tariffs on Chinese semiconductors to stabilize trade relations [5] - Japan plans to introduce a record initial budget of 122.3 trillion yen [5] - The French National Assembly passed a temporary budget to ensure government operations [5] Market Strategy - The Chinese stock market is expected to stabilize and reach new heights, with the Shanghai Composite Index surpassing 4000 points [7] - Emerging technologies are anticipated to be the main investment focus, while cyclical finance may emerge as a dark horse [7] - The capital market in China is seen as a crucial element in gathering social capital and confidence, marking a significant shift from previous years [8] Investment Trends - The breaking of the "guaranteed return" system in China is leading to a decline in risk-free asset yields, with long-term rates expected to drop below 2% [9] - The demand for asset management is projected to surge as the market adapts to new conditions [9] - Structural transformation in industries is reducing uncertainty in economic development, providing clearer investment signals [10] Industrial Metals Insights - Industrial metals are experiencing price increases, with silver prices rising due to ongoing inventory disruptions [13] - Copper supply remains fragile, with long-term processing fees set at $0 per ton, indicating a potential for strong copper prices [14] - The lithium market is facing demand weakness, but prices are expected to remain strong due to supply disruptions [15] Aerospace and Defense Sector - The release of listing standards for commercial rocket companies is expected to accelerate capital operations in the aerospace sector [18] - The Chinese government emphasizes the development of commercial aerospace as a key component of national strategy [19] - New listing criteria focus on technological advantages and market potential, which may enhance the growth of commercial rocket enterprises [20]

Report Industry Investment Rating No specific industry investment rating was provided in the report. Core Viewpoints - In the short - and medium - term, the influence of the weak US dollar and supply concerns dominates again. The reality of weak consumption and relatively loose supply - demand has become a secondary factor. Shanghai copper drives the base metals to break through and rise. Opportunities for going long on copper, aluminum, and tin can be continuously monitored. In the long - term, there are still expectations of potential incremental stimulus policies in China, and there are still supply disruptions for copper, aluminum, and tin. There are expectations of tightening supply - demand, so the price trends of copper, aluminum, and tin are optimistic [1]. - The weakening of the US dollar index causes copper prices to run strongly; the cost support for alumina is weak and prices remain under pressure; aluminum prices fluctuate at high levels due to inventory accumulation; the aluminum alloy market should focus on demand changes and the price fluctuates at high levels; zinc prices fluctuate at high levels with differentiated inventory trends at home and abroad; the rebound space of lead prices is limited due to the decline in the operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises; nickel prices continue to rise due to the expected policy disturbances in Indonesia; the stainless - steel market is driven up by the rebound of nickel prices; high prices suppress downstream demand, and tin prices fluctuate at high levels [2]. Summary by Related Catalogs 1. Copper - **Information Analysis**: The 2026 copper concentrate long - term processing fee benchmark is 0 dollars/ton and 0 cents/pound. CSPT members will reduce copper ore production capacity by over 10% in 2026. In November 2025, SMM China's electrolytic copper production increased month - on - month and year - on - year. On December 23, the 1 electrolytic copper spot was at a discount to the contract. As of December 22, copper inventory increased. LME plans to set and implement position limits for key and related contracts from July 6, 2026 [6][7]. - **Main Logic**: The loose liquidity supports copper prices. The supply of copper mines is increasingly disrupted, and the expectation of refined copper supply contraction is strengthened. The terminal demand is weak, and inventory accumulates, limiting the upward space for copper prices. The risk of LME copper cornering has temporarily weakened [8]. - **Outlook**: Copper prices are expected to fluctuate strongly [8]. 2. Alumina - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the spot price of alumina decreased. The alumina warehouse receipt decreased by 6,641 tons [8][9]. - **Main Logic**: The high - cost production capacity has fluctuations, but the supply contraction is insufficient, and the inventory is strongly increasing. The raw material prices are weak, and the cost support is general. The warehouse receipt is in the process of destocking, but there is pressure on the price [9][10]. - **Outlook**: Alumina is expected to fluctuate [10]. 3. Aluminum - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the average price of SMM AOO aluminum decreased. As of December 22, aluminum ingot and aluminum rod inventories changed. On December 23, the SHFE electrolytic aluminum warehouse receipt increased. In November 2025, China's unforged aluminum and aluminum products exports changed. Some enterprises launched the "aluminum replacing copper" standard implementation, and South32 raised the aluminum ingot premium [11]. - **Main Logic**: The macro - expectation is positive. The domestic supply is high, and the overseas supply may tighten in the long - term. The high aluminum price suppresses demand, and the inventory accumulates [12]. - **Outlook**: In the short - term, aluminum prices are expected to fluctuate strongly. In the medium - term, the price center may rise [12]. 4. Aluminum Alloy - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the price of Baotai ADC12 remained unchanged, and the spread with AOO aluminum changed. The SHFE registered warehouse receipt remained unchanged. An Indonesian electrolytic aluminum project started production, and in October, China's scrap aluminum imports increased [13]. - **Main Logic**: The cost support is solid. The operating rate is flat, and there is a risk of production reduction. The end - of - year automobile demand may weaken, and the warehouse receipt inventory is high [13]. - **Outlook**: In the short - and medium - term, prices are expected to fluctuate strongly [13]. 5. Zinc - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the spot premium of zinc in different regions was different. As of December 23, the SMM seven - region zinc ingot inventory increased. In November 2025, China's zinc concentrate imports increased [15]. - **Main Logic**: The macro - outlook is positive. The short - term supply of zinc ore is tight, and the production of zinc ingots has decreased. The domestic consumption is in the off - season, and the demand is average. In the short - term, zinc prices may continue to fluctuate at high levels. In the long - term, zinc prices may decline [16]. - **Outlook**: Zinc prices are expected to fluctuate [16]. 6. Lead - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the price of waste electric vehicle batteries and SMM1 lead ingots increased. As of December 22, the lead ingot social inventory decreased, and the SHFE lead warehouse receipt decreased. Since December, the implementation of the new national standard for electric bicycles has affected battery consumption, and the operating rate of some enterprises has declined [17]. - **Main Logic**: The spot premium decreased slightly, and the warehouse receipt decreased. The supply decreased due to maintenance, and the demand was mixed, with the operating rate of lead - acid battery enterprises slightly weakening [17]. - **Outlook**: Lead prices are expected to fluctuate [18]. 7. Nickel - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, LME nickel inventory increased, and SHFE nickel warehouse receipt decreased. The price of high - nickel pig iron increased. Indonesia plans to revise the nickel ore pricing formula and reduce the 2026 nickel ore production target [20][21]. - **Main Logic**: The domestic nickel supply decreased in November, but the overall supply pressure still exists. The demand is in the off - season. If Indonesia's production reduction plan is implemented, the supply - demand surplus will decrease [22]. - **Outlook**: Before the policy is implemented, nickel prices may remain strong [22]. 8. Stainless Steel - **Information Analysis**: The stainless steel futures warehouse receipt decreased. On December 23, the spot premium in Foshan was 45 yuan/ton. The price of high - nickel pig iron increased, and Indonesia plans to reduce the 2026 nickel ore production target [23]. - **Main Logic**: The cost of stainless steel is supported, and the production is expected to decline in December. The inventory may accumulate, and the warehouse receipt is at a low level [24][25]. - **Outlook**: Before the Indonesian policy is implemented, stainless - steel prices may remain strong [25]. 9. Tin - **Information Analysis**: On December 23, the LME and SHFE tin warehouse receipts decreased, and the SHFE tin position decreased. The spot price of tin increased [25]. - **Main Logic**: The supply of tin is a concern. The supply from Myanmar and Indonesia has changed, and the African supply is restricted. The demand is expected to increase with the economic and industrial development [26]. - **Outlook**: Tin prices are expected to fluctuate strongly [26]. 10. Market Monitoring - Commodity Index - On December 23, 2025, the comprehensive index, characteristic index, and PPI commodity index of CITIC Futures all increased. The non - ferrous metal index increased by 0.01% on the day, 1.68% in the past 5 days, 5.20% in the past month, and 12.37% since the beginning of the year [154][155].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant reliance of the U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) industry and national defense on Chinese battery technology, emphasizing the challenges posed by this dependency amid ongoing U.S.-China technological competition [1][2]. Industry Overview - China holds a dominant position in the lithium battery sector, which is increasingly viewed as a national security threat by the West, extending beyond the automotive industry [2][6]. - Approximately 6,000 independent battery components in U.S. military weapon projects depend on Chinese supply chains, indicating a critical vulnerability [6]. U.S. Response and Policy Changes - The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has shown a growing interest in developing a domestic battery industry to reduce reliance on China, with high-level meetings and funding initiatives being reported [7][8]. - The U.S. Department of Energy has approved funding of up to $500 million for battery materials and recycling projects, reflecting a shift in policy focus towards battery technology [7]. Challenges in Domestic Production - Experts estimate that it will take at least five years for U.S. manufacturers to produce sufficient lithium iron phosphate batteries to meet domestic demand, with longer timelines needed to establish a complete supply chain [8][10]. - The U.S. faces significant challenges in competing with China due to higher environmental standards and the complexity of refining key minerals [8]. Strategic Importance of Batteries - The article underscores the strategic importance of batteries in modern warfare, with military applications increasingly reliant on advanced battery technology sourced from China [14][15]. - The U.S. military is recognizing the need for a robust battery strategy, as future military capabilities will heavily depend on battery technology [14][15]. Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The article notes that the demand for batteries is expected to grow significantly, driven by applications in AI, data centers, and military technologies, which could reshape the competitive landscape [10][11]. - The U.S. is exploring partnerships with countries like Japan to bolster its battery manufacturing capabilities, indicating a strategic pivot in international trade relations [7].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market" and is maintained [2] Core Views - Precious metals are recommended to be held firmly due to their continued price increase, driven by a decrease in the US CPI and expectations of interest rate cuts in 2026, which enhances the probability of a soft landing. Industrial precious metals like silver and platinum are favored, while gold is expected to underperform in the short term. The long-term trend of de-dollarization is anticipated to continue, and investors are advised to hold low-cost positions despite market volatility [5] - Copper prices are expected to rise again due to a soft landing scenario, with LME copper increasing by 2.75% this week. The anticipated supply-demand tightness in 2026, coupled with increased fiscal spending expectations from the US government, suggests that price adjustments should be viewed as buying opportunities [6] - Aluminum prices have increased by 2.80%, supported by low inventory levels and resilient demand from sectors like automotive and electronics, despite December being a traditional off-peak season. Investors are encouraged to buy aluminum and related equities on dips [6] - Tin prices have surpassed 340,000 yuan/ton, driven by reduced macroeconomic uncertainty and speculative trading, although high prices have led to stagnant spot transactions. A significant inventory buildup is noted, and while short-term price corrections may occur, the long-term price center is expected to remain above 300,000 yuan [7] - Tungsten prices continue to reach new highs, with black tungsten concentrate prices rising to 430,000 yuan/ton. Supply constraints and strong demand from sectors like defense and controlled nuclear fusion are expected to maintain upward pressure on prices [8] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector saw a weekly increase of 1.16%, ranking 14th among industry indices [17] Price Movements - Basic metals: LME copper up 2.75%, aluminum up 2.80%, zinc down 1.94%, lead up 0.94%, tin up 4.50% - Precious metals: COMEX gold up 0.90%, silver up 8.55%, NYMEX palladium up 16.03%, platinum up 14.27% - New energy metals: LME nickel up 1.92%, cobalt up 1.21%, lithium carbonate up 3.33% [20] Inventory Levels - Global visible inventories increased: copper by 19,262 tons, aluminum by 6,978 tons, zinc by 31,871 tons, lead by 21,368 tons, tin by 1,575 tons, nickel by 3,870 tons [34]