Report Industry Investment Rating - Not mentioned in the provided content Core Viewpoints of the Report - In September, the supply pressure of domestic polyethylene remained, with total production increasing year-on-year and decreasing month-on-month, and LLDPE showing double growth. The inventory was differentiated between upstream and downstream, with production enterprise inventory expanding and social inventory decreasing but with slow digestion. Import prices were differentiated, the quantity decreased, and the profit margins varied greatly. Downstream demand recovered less than expected, cost support was limited, and profits were under pressure. The market was dominated by supply and demand [4]. - In October, the supply pressure of domestic polyethylene is expected to increase, while demand may experience moderate growth with limited increase due to macro - economic uncertainties. The inventory pressure may ease from mid - to late October, and the market is likely to show a weak and volatile trend, and the specific trend depends on downstream demand release and new capacity commissioning progress [5]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Supply Side - **Supply Pressure in September and October**: In September, the total domestic polyethylene production increased year - on - year but decreased month - on - month, with LLDPE showing double growth. The total production in September was 270,648 tons, a decrease of 12,067 tons from the previous month and an increase of 41,672 tons from the same period last year. LLDPE production in September was 125,520 tons, an increase of 653 tons from the previous month and 27,387 tons from the same period last year. In October, the supply pressure is expected to increase due to fewer planned maintenance of devices, restart of previously maintained devices, and new capacity commissioning [7][9]. - **Inventory Situation**: In late September, the inventory of polyethylene production enterprises increased, with the total reaching 458,300 tons, a month - on - month increase of 31,300 tons. The inventory of coal - based enterprises was 68,300 tons, and that of two - oil enterprises was 390,000 tons. The social inventory decreased, with the total at 534,800 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 27,200 tons. It is expected that the inventory pressure may ease from mid - to late October [12][13][14]. - **Import Situation**: In September, the import prices of polyethylene were regionally differentiated, with most major regions' LLDPE prices falling month - on - month. The import quantity continued to decline, with the import volume in August being 950,150 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 156,900 tons. The import profit margins of different varieties varied significantly [16][17][18]. Demand Side - **Demand in September**: In September, the overall downstream开工率 of polyethylene was 42.57%, a month - on - month increase of 2.85%. The raw material inventory of downstream enterprises increased, indicating increased raw material stocking willingness. However, the overall demand intensity did not meet expectations, and the market was in a weak balance [21][22]. - **Demand Outlook in October**: In October, the demand is in the traditional peak season with release potential, such as increased demand for packaging films due to Double Eleven and for agricultural films due to cooling in the north. But due to macro - economic uncertainties, downstream enterprises are cautious, and demand is expected to grow moderately with limited increase [5][23]. Cost and Profit - **Cost**: In September, the cost of oil - based polyethylene decreased month - on - month to 7,548.04 yuan/ton, a decrease of 15.64 yuan/ton. The cost of coal - based polyethylene increased slightly to 6,410.8 yuan/ton, an increase of 75.19 yuan/ton [26][27]. - **Profit**: In September, the profits of both oil - based and coal - based polyethylene production enterprises declined. The profit of oil - based enterprises was - 289.11 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 14.71 yuan/ton, and the profit of coal - based enterprises was 764.53 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 15.25 yuan/ton [28]. - **Price Difference**: In September, the price difference between polyethylene and related varieties was differentiated. The average price difference between PE - PVC:01 contract was 2,298.82 yuan/ton, a month - on - month increase of 12.44 yuan/ton, while the average price difference between PE - PP:01 contract was 275.23 yuan/ton, a month - on - month decrease of 15.25 yuan/ton [29]. Summary - In September, the domestic polyethylene market was in a weak balance. Supply pressure remained, inventory was differentiated, import quantity decreased, downstream demand recovered moderately, cost support was limited, and profits were under pressure. The market was mainly dominated by supply and demand [32].

Core Viewpoint - The methanol market is experiencing a tug-of-war between high supply and increasing production losses, leading to heightened price volatility amid contrasting realities and expectations [1] Supply Dynamics - Domestic methanol supply remains high, with port inventories reaching a historical peak of 1.531 million tons as of October 23, an increase of approximately 380,000 tons compared to the same period last year [2] - The expected import volume of methanol in the next two weeks is around 980,000 tons, which is about 50% higher than the average of previous years, indicating continued pressure on port inventories in the short term [2] Seasonal Production Constraints - Iran is expected to reduce methanol production due to seasonal natural gas shortages, with production facilities typically shutting down from mid-November to the end of January for maintenance, potentially easing domestic inventory pressures [3] - Recent geopolitical tensions, including increased U.S. sanctions on Iran and strained relations with Venezuela, could impact methanol imports, as Venezuela accounted for approximately 6% of China's total methanol imports in the past year [3] Cost Support Factors - The domestic methanol industry is facing a scenario of high supply and significant production losses, with an operating rate of approximately 75.85%, which is historically high [4] - The theoretical production profit for coal-based methanol in Inner Mongolia has dropped to -173.5 yuan per ton, a decline of about 200 yuan per ton over the past month, driven by diverging trends in methanol and coal prices [4] - As winter approaches, coal demand is expected to rise, which may provide cost support for methanol production despite current price declines [4] Demand Trends - The demand for methanol is showing a mixed picture, with methanol-to-olefins (MTO) production maintaining a relatively high operating rate of about 84.33%, indicating strong demand resilience [5] - In contrast, traditional downstream sectors are experiencing weakness, with a comprehensive operating rate of only 46.89%, down 6.64 percentage points year-on-year, reflecting sluggish terminal consumption [5] - Overall, the high inventory, supply, and weak demand situation is unlikely to change significantly in the short term, while external factors and cost pressures may provide some support for prices [5]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views - Steel prices are expected to rebound slightly, and will fluctuate later due to the expected reduction in crude steel production despite the lack of substantial improvement in downstream consumption [3]. - The iron ore market faces pressure from abundant supply, high port inventories, and limited demand boost. Prices are expected to remain under pressure [21]. - Recently, due to downstream replenishment and reduced mine production in some areas, coking coal inventory has improved, and short - term coke prices may be strong, but potential negative feedback from the steel market will limit the upside [34]. - Ferroalloys face a contradiction between high inventory and weak demand, with significant destocking pressure [50]. - Soda ash is cost - priced. With high - level supply expected in the medium - to - long - term, prices are restricted by high inventories but supported by costs [60]. - Glass sales are weak, with high intermediate inventories. Without real production cuts, the price of the 01 contract may decline, but there is cost support and policy expectations in the long - term [87]. 3. Summaries by Related Catalogs Steel - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the closing prices of various steel contracts increased compared to October 24. For example, the closing price of the rebar 01 contract was 3100 yuan/ton, up from 3046 yuan/ton. The spot prices of rebar and hot - rolled coils also generally increased slightly [4][9][11]. - **Market Outlook**: Steel prices are expected to rebound slightly in the short - term and then fluctuate due to the expected reduction in crude steel production and the lack of improvement in downstream consumption [3]. Iron Ore - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the closing prices of iron ore contracts increased compared to October 24. For example, the 01 contract closed at 786.5 yuan/ton, up 15.5 yuan/ton. The basis of each contract changed slightly [22]. - **Fundamentals**: The average daily hot - metal output decreased, the 45 - port inventory increased, and the global and Australia - Brazil shipments increased [28]. - **Market Outlook**: The iron ore market faces pressure from abundant supply, high port inventories, and limited demand boost. Prices are expected to remain under pressure [21]. Coking Coal and Coke - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the coking coal and coke basis and spreads changed. For example, the coking coal 09 - 01 spread was 134.5 yuan/ton, and the coke 09 - 01 spread was 204 yuan/ton. The spot prices of coking coal and coke also changed to some extent [40][41]. - **Market Outlook**: Recently, due to downstream replenishment and reduced mine production in some areas, coking coal inventory has improved, and short - term coke prices may be strong, but potential negative feedback from the steel market will limit the upside [34]. Ferroalloys - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the basis and spreads of ferrosilicon and ferromanganese changed. For example, the ferrosilicon 01 - 05 spread was - 70 yuan/ton, and the ferromanganese 01 - 05 spread was - 42 yuan/ton. The spot prices of ferrosilicon and ferromanganese decreased slightly [51][53]. - **Market Outlook**: Ferroalloys face a contradiction between high inventory and weak demand, with significant destocking pressure [50]. Soda Ash - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the closing prices of soda ash contracts increased compared to October 24. For example, the soda ash 05 contract closed at 1337 yuan/ton, up 18 yuan/ton. The spreads between contracts also changed [61]. - **Market Outlook**: Soda ash is cost - priced. With high - level supply expected in the medium - to - long - term, prices are restricted by high inventories but supported by costs [60]. Glass - **Prices and Spreads**: On October 27, 2025, the closing prices of glass contracts increased slightly compared to October 24. For example, the glass 05 contract closed at 1246 yuan/ton, up 10 yuan/ton. The spreads between contracts and the basis also changed [88]. - **Market Outlook**: Glass sales are weak, with high intermediate inventories. Without real production cuts, the price of the 01 contract may decline, but there is cost support and policy expectations in the long - term [87].

Core Insights - The annual Double Eleven shopping festival has begun, but the liquor industry is experiencing a "cooling period" with mixed price movements across online and offline channels [2][12] - High-end liquor prices have remained stable despite promotional activities, while some mid-to-high-end products are seeing slight price declines [2][12] Price Trends - In the Greater Bay Area, online platforms are using subsidies to lower high-end liquor prices, while offline channels are mostly observing the market [2][12] - In Guangzhou, over half of the sampled products saw price increases, with high-end products like Wuliangye and Guojiao 1573 experiencing minor price hikes [3][4] - Conversely, some products, including Moutai, saw price reductions due to adjustments by instant retail platforms [4][6] Regional Variations - In Shenzhen, liquor prices showed stability, with some products like Moutai and Guojiao 1573 experiencing slight declines, while others like Wuliangye saw price increases [5][6] - In Foshan, liquor prices remained stable, with Moutai showing a slight increase, while other products experienced minor fluctuations [8][9] - Dongguan reported significant price drops for Moutai, with online channels driving the decline, while mid-range products displayed mixed price movements [10][11] Market Dynamics - The Double Eleven promotions have intensified price competition among high-end liquors, with leading brands like Moutai facing downward pressure on prices [12] - The cautious attitude of distributors towards seasonal sales is reflected in the limited follow-up promotions in offline channels [12] - Despite overall pressure, some brands like Fenjiu and Xijiu have shown resilience with slight price increases, indicating consumer demand for specific products [12]

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant information provided Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the long - term, under the background of the gradually loosening macro - environment, the logic of steel price trends remains unchanged; in the short - term, the weak real demand for steel is difficult to improve significantly [3] - For iron ore, the demand weakens after the decline of hot metal production, and the continuous accumulation of port inventory puts pressure on prices. The market is in a state of weak reality and macro - expectation tug - of - war, with prices oscillating [6] - For the black sector, it is not pessimistic about the future. It is considered that the cost - performance of finding callback positions to do rebounds may be higher than short - selling [11] - For industrial silicon, it is expected to oscillate in the short - term, following the commodity environment, and the trend of coking coal futures has a certain driving effect on its price [14] - For polysilicon, the current price fluctuation is regarded as a phased correction within the oscillation range, and attention should be paid to the progress of platform companies [16] - For glass, in the short - term, without external factors, the market is expected to remain weak [19] - For soda ash, the market is expected to continue to oscillate weakly in the short - term [21] Group 3: Summary by Related Catalogs Steel Market Quotes - The closing price of the rebar main contract was 3047 yuan/ton, up 2 yuan/ton (0.065%) from the previous trading day. The registered warehouse receipts were 129,796 tons, with no change. The main contract position was 1.995833 million lots, down 10,093 lots. The Tianjin aggregated price of rebar was 3110 yuan/ton, and the Shanghai aggregated price was 3200 yuan/ton, both with no change [2] - The closing price of the hot - rolled coil main contract was 3219 yuan/ton, up 4 yuan/ton (0.124%) from the previous trading day. The registered warehouse receipts were 113,657 tons, down 2375 tons. The main contract position was 1.509998 million lots, up 6767 lots. The Lecong aggregated price of hot - rolled coil was 3230 yuan/ton, down 10 yuan/ton; the Shanghai aggregated price was 3270 yuan/ton, with no change [2] Strategy Views - Rebar supply and demand both increased, and inventory decreased, showing a neutral performance; hot - rolled coil production decreased slightly, demand rebounded, inventory decreased marginally but remained at a relatively high level, and the inventory contradiction was slightly relieved. The steel mill profitability rate declined significantly recently, and the hot metal production decreased significantly, reducing the supply - side pressure marginally [3] Iron Ore Market Quotes - The main contract of iron ore (I2601) closed at 777.00 yuan/ton, with a change of +0.39% (+3.00), and the position changed by +2978 lots to 561,100 lots. The weighted position of iron ore was 941,900 lots. The spot price of PB powder at Qingdao Port was 783 yuan/wet ton, with a basis of 55.33 yuan/ton and a basis rate of 6.65% [5] Strategy Views - Supply: The overseas iron ore shipment volume rebounded in the latest period and was at a high level in the same period. The shipments from Australia and Brazil both increased, the shipment of FMG was strong, and the shipment from non - mainstream countries rebounded slightly. The near - end arrival volume decreased month - on - month [6] - Demand: The average daily hot metal production in the latest period was 239.9 tons, falling below 240 tons, mainly affected by the weak steel price, the decline of steel mill profitability to the lowest level of the year, and the environmental protection issues in Hebei affecting blast furnace production [6] - Inventory: Port inventory continued to increase, and steel mill inventory increased slightly [6] Manganese Silicon and Ferrosilicon Market Quotes - On October 23, the main contract of manganese silicon (SM601) closed up 0.14% at 5818 yuan/ton. The spot price of 6517 manganese silicon in Tianjin was 5720 yuan/ton, converted to the futures price of 5910 yuan/ton, with no change from the previous day, and the premium to the futures price was 92 yuan/ton [9] - The main contract of ferrosilicon (SF601) closed up 0.65% at 5574 yuan/ton. The spot price of 72 ferrosilicon in Tianjin was 5650 yuan/ton, with no change from the previous day, and the premium to the futures price was 76 yuan/ton [9] Strategy Views - The uncertainty of Sino - US trade friction has put pressure on commodities. Most of the current situation has been priced in, and subsequent macro - level factors may be more important [10] - For the black sector, it is not pessimistic. It is considered that the cost - performance of finding callback positions to do rebounds may be higher. Manganese silicon and ferrosilicon are likely to follow the black sector's trend [11] Industrial Silicon and Polysilicon Market Quotes - Industrial silicon: The main contract of industrial silicon futures (SI2511) closed at 8705 yuan/ton, with a change of +2.59% (+220). The weighted contract position changed by +103 lots to 438,582 lots. The spot price of non - oxygen - blown 553 in East China was 9300 yuan/ton, with no change, and the basis of the main contract was 595 yuan/ton; the price of 421 was 9650 yuan/ton, with no change, and the basis of the main contract was 145 yuan/ton [13] - Polysilicon: The main contract of polysilicon futures (PS2511) closed at 50760 yuan/ton, with a change of +0.89% (+450). The weighted contract position changed by - 3824 lots to 243,675 lots. The average price of N - type granular silicon was 50.5 yuan/kg, with no change; the average price of N - type dense material was 51.5 yuan/kg, with no change; the average price of N - type re - feeding material was 52.98 yuan/kg, down 0.02 yuan/kg, and the basis of the main contract was 2220 yuan/ton [15] Strategy Views - Industrial silicon: The supply shows a pattern of "increasing in the north and decreasing in the south", and the supply pressure still exists. The demand is mainly restricted by supply. The cost provides support for the price, and it is expected to oscillate in the short - term [14] - Polysilicon: The over - expected increase in silicon material production in October and the decrease in downstream silicon wafer production lead to continuous inventory accumulation pressure. The supply pressure will be relieved if the leading enterprises start maintenance at the end of the month. The current price fluctuation is a phased correction [16] Glass and Soda Ash Market Quotes - Glass: On Thursday at 15:00, the main contract of glass closed at 1108 yuan/ton, up 1.28% (+14). The price of large - size glass in North China was 1140 yuan, with no change; the price in Central China was 1150 yuan, with no change. The weekly inventory of float glass sample enterprises was 66.613 million boxes, up 2.3374 million boxes (+3.64%). The top 20 long - position holders increased their positions by 12,367 lots, and the top 20 short - position holders decreased their positions by 6711 lots [18] - Soda ash: On Thursday at 15:00, the main contract of soda ash closed at 1235 yuan/ton, up 0.98% (+12). The price of heavy soda ash in Shahe was 1185 yuan, up 12 yuan. The weekly inventory of soda ash sample enterprises was 1.7021 million tons, up 0.16 million tons (+3.64%), among which the inventory of heavy soda ash was 934,500 tons, down 62,000 tons, and the inventory of light soda ash was 767,600 tons, up 78,000 tons. The top 20 long - position holders increased their positions by 3131 lots, and the top 20 short - position holders increased their positions by 4848 lots [20] Strategy Views - Glass: Entering the end of the traditional peak season, the downstream procurement rhythm slows down further, and the supply rebounds. The supply - demand contradiction is difficult to resolve in the short - term, and the market is expected to remain weak [19] - Soda ash: The industry shows a pattern of strong supply and weak demand. The inventory is at a high level in the same period, and the market is expected to continue to oscillate weakly in the short - term [21]

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Views - The pure benzene market is experiencing weak demand, with rising port inventories and ongoing supply pressure. The demand side is unlikely to improve significantly in the short term, and the oversupply situation will persist. [2][3] - The styrene market is facing a mismatch between supply and demand, with low demand unable to support price rebounds. Although macro - policy may provide some support, the weak supply - demand pattern will continue. [4][5] 3. Summary by Section Pure Benzene - **Market Overview**: The pure benzene market is operating weakly, with port inventories rising again and increasing supply pressure. Downstream开工率 is low, and product inventories in some industries are high, dragging down demand. [3] - **Supply and Demand**: Supply is abundant, but due to weak downstream demand, the supply - demand contradiction has not been effectively resolved. The weak demand has led to a lack of price support and increased supply pressure. [3] - **Market Outlook**: Given the continued low - level downstream demand and high inventories in some industries, the demand side of the pure benzene market is unlikely to improve significantly in the short term. Port inventories may remain high in the coming weeks, and the basis may continue to weaken. [3] - **Key Indicators**: Supply is sufficient, port inventories are rising, downstream开工率 is falling, the monthly spread is weak, and the basis is weakening. The international arbitrage window is closed. [7] - **Supply Details**: Last week, new maintenance at Yulong Petrochemical, Shengxing Petrochemical, Urumqi Petrochemical, and Guangzhou Petrochemical occurred, but overall supply remained high. For hydrobenzene, there is more spot supply, and some plants have reduced their loads. [10] - **Import Situation**: Pure benzene imports are rising. Affected by US tariff policies, the US - Asia arbitrage window is closed, and most of South Korea's pure benzene is flowing to China, increasing import pressure. [12][14] - **Downstream Situation**: Downstream profits are weakening, and开工率 is seasonally declining. Overall demand is weakening, and downstream inventories are generally high. [16][18][23] - **Inventory Situation**: As of October 22, pure benzene port inventories were 99,000 tons, up 9,000 tons from last week. Due to weak downstream demand, inventories are expected to continue to accumulate. [28] - **Price Spread**: The pure benzene - naphtha price spread weakened after a brief recovery, and the BZN spread is low, indicating low pure benzene valuation. [30][32] Styrene - **Market Overview**: The styrene market continues to operate weakly, with significant pressure on both the supply and demand sides. Although downstream开工率 has increased,提货 performance is average, and port inventories are under pressure. [4] - **Supply and Demand**: In the short term, there are still maintenance plans, which may lead to some production cuts. However, new plants will impact the market supply. Downstream demand growth is limited due to weak terminal demand and high inventories in some downstream industries. [4] - **Cost and Price**: The non - integrated cost of styrene has decreased due to falling international oil prices, and losses have deepened. Although the supply - demand situation is weak, the valuation of the November contract is low, and the downward space is relatively limited due to potential macro - policy support in late October. [4] - **Market Outlook**: This week, styrene production is expected to decline slightly due to previous plant shutdowns. However, considering the concentrated downstream production in November and December, the supply - demand mismatch may intensify, and the weak supply - demand pattern will continue. [5] - **Key Indicators**: Supply has decreased slightly, downstream demand recovery space is limited, the EB2511 - EB2512 spread is suitable for reverse arbitrage, and port inventories are still high. [7] - **Production Situation**: Styrene开工率 has declined, and production has decreased. In September, production decreased but was still higher than in previous periods. The cumulative supply from January to September increased by 17.28% year - on - year. [36][38] - **Import and Export Situation**: In September, styrene imports were 26,200 tons, a slight increase from the previous month, and exports were 31,500 tons, showing significant year - on - year and month - on - month growth. [41] - **Inventory Situation**: As of October 22, styrene port inventories increased to 203,000 tons, up 6,000 tons from last week. Inventories are likely to continue to accumulate in late October. [45] - **Downstream Situation**: Downstream开工率 has weakened, and the profits of 3S products have declined. Downstream production is high, and there are no obvious signs of inventory reduction. [47][55] - **Basis Situation**: The styrene basis has been fluctuating narrowly. Due to weak downstream demand and high inventories, the basis is still weak and may decline further in the future. [57]

Report Summary 1) Report Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2) Core Viewpoints of the Report - The short - term, medium - term, and intraday views of soybean meal, palm oil, and soybean oil are all "oscillating weakly" [5][6][7]. - The market for these commodities is affected by multiple factors such as Sino - US relations, policies, production, exports, and inventories [5][6][7]. 3) Summary by Variety Soybean Meal (M) - **Views**: Short - term: oscillating; Medium - term: oscillating; Intraday: oscillating weakly; Reference view: oscillating weakly [5][6]. - **Core Logic**: Market focus is on Sino - US negotiations. The domestic market is hesitant to buy forward - delivery soybeans due to uncertain import costs. The current soybean meal market has a pattern of both weak supply and demand, with the core contradiction being the combined effect of loose supply and weak demand. Short - term futures prices will continue to oscillate [5]. - **Influencing Factors**: Sino - US relations, import arrival rhythm, oil mill operation rhythm, and inventory pressure [6]. Palm Oil (P) - **Views**: Short - term: oscillating; Medium - term: oscillating; Intraday: oscillating weakly; Reference view: oscillating weakly [6][7]. - **Core Logic**: Tightening supply in Indonesia and improved export data in the first half of October support the price of Malaysian palm oil. The expected slowdown in Indian purchases and high domestic inventories in Malaysia suppress market sentiment. In China, position adjustments by funds and weekly increases in palm oil inventories also put pressure on prices. The short - term market oscillation intensifies, and futures prices are mainly oscillating weakly [7]. - **Influencing Factors**: Biodiesel properties, Malaysian palm production and exports, Indonesian exports, tariff policies of major producing countries, domestic arrival and inventory, and substitution demand [6]. Soybean Oil (Y) - **Views**: Short - term: oscillating; Medium - term: oscillating; Intraday: oscillating weakly; Reference view: oscillating weakly [6]. - **Influencing Factors**: Sino - US relations, US biofuel policy, US soybean oil inventory, domestic soybean cost support, supply rhythm, and oil mill inventory [6].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the document 2. Report's Core View - For electrolytic nickel, the recommended strategy is to wait and see, with an expected trading range of 115,000 - 125,000 yuan/ton. Given a loose fundamental situation, high inventory pressure, and low valuation, the price is expected to fluctuate at a low level [5][95]. - For stainless steel, the recommended strategy is to sell on rallies, with an expected trading range of 12,000 - 13,000 yuan/ton. Due to weak fundamentals and declining cost support, the price is expected to oscillate weakly [6][122]. 3. Summaries by Relevant Catalogs 1.1 Nickel Market Review - Last week, SHFE nickel fluctuated at a low level, with a weekly decline of 1.89%. Trading volume reached 486,300 lots (+196,400), and open interest was 60,500 lots (-17,300). LME nickel dropped 1.11% weekly, with trading volume at 34,600 lots (-6,400) [12]. - The basis premium was 1,240 yuan/ton [14]. 1.2 Supply Side - Nickel Ore - Last week, the prices of 0.9%, 1.5%, and 1.8% nickel ores remained unchanged, as did the shipping price from the Philippines to China [21]. - In September, Philippine nickel ore exports decreased. China's nickel ore imports reached 6.11 million tons, a 3.7% MoM decrease but a 33.9% YoY increase [26]. - Last week, nickel ore arrivals increased by 707,000 tons MoM, and port inventories rose by 30,000 wet tons [28]. 1.2 Supply Side - Nickel Pig Iron - The price of 8 - 12% high - nickel pig iron fell by 14 yuan/nickel point, and that of 1.5 - 1.7% nickel pig iron dropped by 50 yuan/ton. The negative premium of nickel pig iron to electrolytic nickel widened, and the premium to scrap stainless steel narrowed [33]. - In September, China's nickel pig iron imports were 1.085 million tons, up 24.2% MoM and 47.2% YoY. Imports are expected to decline in October [36]. - BF profit contracted, but the operating rate rose. RKEF losses widened, and the operating rate decreased [40]. - In October, the operating rate and production schedule of domestic nickel pig iron decreased, while those in Indonesia increased [44]. - Nickel pig iron inventories decreased [46]. 1.2 Supply Side - Electrolytic Nickel - In October, the operating rate and production schedule of refined nickel increased [50]. - The export profit of electrolytic nickel decreased [54]. - In September, electrolytic nickel imports increased, and exports decreased [58]. 1.3 Demand Side - Stainless Steel - In October, stainless steel production schedules increased, while those of the 300 - series decreased [63][111]. - In September, stainless steel exports decreased by 6.6% MoM and 8.7% YoY, while imports rose by 2.7% MoM and 0.4% YoY. October's import and export volumes are expected to be similar to September's [67][114]. 1.3 Demand Side - New Energy - The price of pure nickel declined, while that of nickel sulfate increased, widening the premium of nickel sulfate to pure nickel. The proportion of pure nickel used to produce nickel sulfate is minimal [72]. - In October, the production schedules of ternary precursors increased by 16.2% MoM and 2.8% YoY, and those of ternary materials rose by 4.3% MoM and 33.7% YoY [77]. - In October, the production schedule of nickel sulfate increased by 5.1% MoM and 24.3% YoY [79]. - In September, new energy vehicle production was 1.617 million units, up 16.3% MoM and 23.7% YoY; sales were 1.604 million units, up 15.0% MoM and 24.6% YoY [85]. 1.4 Inventory Side - Last week, SHFE nickel inventories and LME nickel inventories increased [86]. - Shanghai bonded area pure nickel inventories remained unchanged, while the six - region social total inventory increased by 4,014 tons [91]. 1.5 Electrowon Nickel Cost - The cost of producing electrowon nickel from purchased nickel sulfate increased, while that from purchased nickel matte and MHP decreased. MHP integrated production of electrowon nickel has a significant cost advantage over high - nickel matte integrated production [94]. 1.5 Market Outlook - Nickel - Strategy: Wait and see. Expected trading range: 115,000 - 125,000 yuan/ton. Loose fundamentals, high inventory pressure, and low valuation suggest low - level price fluctuations [95]. 2.1 Stainless Steel Market Review - Last week, stainless steel futures trended downward, with a weekly decline of 1.64%. The basis shrank to 970 yuan/ton. Trading volume was 716,700 lots (+557,400), and open interest was 197,700 lots (+144,300) [98]. 2.2 Cost and Profit - High - nickel pig iron and high - carbon ferrochrome prices fell, weakening cost support [102]. - Losses in the 200 - series, 300 - series, and 400 - series stainless steel expanded [107]. 2.3 Fundamentals - Stainless Steel - In October, stainless steel production schedules increased, while those of the 300 - series decreased [111]. - In September, stainless steel exports decreased, and imports increased. October's volumes are expected to be similar to September's [114]. 2.4 Inventory Side - Stainless Steel - Total domestic stainless steel social inventories decreased. 200 - series and 400 - series inventories decreased, while 300 - series inventories increased [120]. 2.5 Market Outlook - Stainless Steel - Strategy: Sell on rallies. Expected trading range: 12,000 - 13,000 yuan/ton. Weak fundamentals, loose cost support, and inventory patterns suggest weak price oscillations [122].

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints - Nickel: On October 16, the nickel market showed a complex situation. The nickel futures had certain price changes, and the spot market had a fair trading volume with a narrowing basis premium. The supply side had stable nickel ore prices, increased arrivals last week, and rising inventories. Nickel - iron plants had deeper losses, and production schedules in October increased both in China and Indonesia. The production schedule of domestic electrolytic nickel in October also increased, and export profits decreased. The demand side saw an increase in ternary production, an increase in stainless - steel plant production schedules, and stable alloy and electroplating demand. In terms of inventory, LME inventory increased, while SHFE inventory decreased, and social inventory increased. Overall, the nickel fundamentals are weak with inventory pressure, but the valuation is low, so nickel prices are expected to fluctuate at a low level [1][2]. - Stainless steel: On October 16, the stainless - steel futures had a range - bound movement, and the spot market trading was weak with a narrowing basis premium. The SHFE inventory decreased, and the 300 - series social inventory increased last week. In terms of supply, the stainless - steel production schedule in October increased, but the 300 - series production schedule decreased. The demand side had weak terminal demand. The cost side saw a decline in high - nickel pig iron and high - carbon ferrochrome prices. Overall, the fundamentals are loose, inventory is piling up, and cost support is weakening, so stainless - steel prices are expected to fluctuate weakly [1][2]. 3. Summary by Related Information Nickel - related Data - **Futures Prices**: The closing prices of SHFE nickel near - month, consecutive - one, consecutive - two, and consecutive - three contracts on October 16 were 121,270 yuan/ton, 121,420 yuan/ton, 121,660 yuan/ton, and 121,900 yuan/ton respectively, showing an upward trend compared to the previous day. The trading volume of the active SHFE nickel contract was 67,146 lots (- 16,615), and the open interest was 66,228 lots (- 2,453). The LME 3 - month nickel official price was 15,150 US dollars/ton (- 60), the electronic - disk closing price was 15,230 US dollars/ton (+ 80), and the on - site closing price was 15,267 US dollars/ton (+ 73). The trading volume was 5,500 lots (- 709) [2]. - **Spot Prices**: The average price of SMM 1 electrolytic nickel was 122,150 yuan/ton (- 150), the average price of 1 Jinchuan nickel was 123,400 yuan/ton (- 100), and the average price of 1 imported nickel (Russian nickel) was 121,350 yuan/ton (- 100) [2]. - **Inventory**: The SHFE nickel inventory decreased by 84 tons, the LME registered warehouse receipts were 0 tons, and the total LME nickel inventory was 250,344 tons (+ 3,588). The SMM Chinese port nickel ore total inventory was 971 (in ten thousand wet tons), the SMM Shanghai bonded - area nickel inventory was 3,100 tons, and the SMM pure nickel social inventory was 43,694 tons (+ 2,866) [2]. Stainless - steel - related Data - **Futures Prices**: The closing prices of SHFE stainless - steel near - month, consecutive - one, consecutive - two, and consecutive - three contracts on October 16 were 12,585 yuan/ton, 12,615 yuan/ton, 12,700 yuan/ton, and 12,750 yuan/ton respectively. The trading volume of the active SHFE stainless - steel contract was 125,870 lots (+ 12,654), and the open interest was 201,245 lots (+ 7,755) [2]. - **Spot Prices**: The average price of 304/2B coil - trimmed (Wuxi) was 13,550 yuan/ton (unchanged), the average price of 304/No.1 coil (Wuxi) was 12,700 yuan/ton (- 50), the average price of 316L/2B coil (Wuxi) was 25,500 yuan/ton (unchanged), and the average price of 316L/NO.1 coil (Wuxi) was 3,750 yuan/ton (unchanged) [2]. - **Inventory**: The SHFE stainless - steel inventory was 83,231 tons (- 776), and the 300 - series social inventory last week was 619,400 tons (+ 33,900) [2]. Industry News In Indonesia, the selling prices of domestic mining products, especially those currently prohibited from export, are still lower than the Mineral Reference Price (HPM). This situation puts mining practitioners in a dilemma, especially with limited smelter capacity in the country. The mining enterprises have weak bargaining power, and there is a mismatch between the actual transaction price and the tax - paying obligation. So far, the government has not imposed sanctions on smelters [2]. Trading Strategies - Nickel: It is recommended to take a wait - and - see approach [2]. - Stainless steel: It is recommended to short at high prices [2].

Core Viewpoint - The significant decline in styrene futures prices since late September is attributed to multiple factors, including a sharp drop in oil prices and weak fundamentals in the styrene market [1][2]. Group 1: Price Decline Factors - Styrene futures prices began to decline from a high of 7831 yuan/ton in late June 2025, reaching a low of 6437 yuan/ton by October 16 [1]. - The drop in oil prices is a major factor affecting styrene prices, driven by geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and an oversupply situation as the demand season ends [1][2]. - The overall chemical product prices have also fallen due to macroeconomic disturbances and OPEC+ production increases, impacting styrene prices [1]. Group 2: Supply and Inventory Dynamics - Styrene's weak fundamentals are reflected in rising port inventories and a marginal weakening in the upstream pure benzene supply-demand balance [2]. - As of mid-October, styrene inventories at East China ports were around 200,000 tons, significantly higher than the approximately 40,000 tons from the same period last year, marking a five-year high [2]. - Despite maintenance activities reducing production slightly, the overall supply remains high, and demand has also decreased, leading to a continued oversupply situation [2][3]. Group 3: Industry Chain Analysis - The basic fundamentals of pure benzene, the direct raw material for styrene, are also weak, with expectations of declining demand due to losses in downstream products [3]. - High hidden inventories of pure benzene, concentrated in styrene plants, are expected to keep production rates high, as plants are unlikely to significantly reduce output to maintain market share [3]. - The entire industry chain, including pure benzene, styrene, and downstream synthetic materials, is experiencing historically high inventory levels, which will take time to alleviate [3]. Group 4: Market Outlook - Short-term reversal of styrene prices is considered difficult, with potential for a temporary rebound due to supply constraints from geopolitical factors [4]. - For a price reversal to occur, improvements in oil prices, upstream pure benzene fundamentals, and downstream orders are necessary [5]. - The likelihood of a decrease in styrene inventory and low valuation suggests that overly bearish views may not be warranted, although new production capacity and oil price declines pose challenges [5].