Report Overview - Report Title: Nickel Daily Report - Date: August 5, 2025 - Research Team: Non-ferrous Metals Research Team of CCB Futures 1. Investment Rating - No investment rating information is provided in the report. 2. Core View - The nickel market remains in an oversupply situation. After the cooling of macro sentiment, nickel prices will return to the oversupply trading logic and continue to test cost support. Although nickel prices may have a phased rebound under emotional support, the upside is still under pressure [7]. 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Market Review and Operation Suggestions - On the 4th, Shanghai nickel fluctuated strongly. The main contract opened lower and then continued to rise, closing at 120,630, up 0.54%. The total open interest of the index increased by 2,996 to 196,963 lots [7]. - The supply of nickel ore in the Philippines and Indonesia is expected to be loose, and the price has further downward pressure, weakening the support at the ore end. In the NPI sector, the short - term price of nickel ore is still high, and most Indonesian iron plants are still in a state of cost inversion. Although the nickel - iron price has recovered recently, the sustainability is not strong. The stainless - steel market is still sluggish, and the acceptance of high - priced raw materials is limited. It is expected that the NPI price will mainly operate at the bottom [7]. - The nickel - salt price has recovered due to the rigid replenishment of precursors and the low inventory of nickel - salt plants, but the recovery space may be limited. The macro has not yet substantially boosted demand, and the nickel industry does not directly benefit from the anti - involution logic. It is necessary to pay attention to whether there are production - cut policies in the stainless - steel industry. The nickel market is difficult to have substantial improvement in the short term [7]. 3.2 Industry News - Indonesia's national investment management agency Danantara is exploring investment opportunities in the nickel downstream industry. It is considering acquiring the PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI) smelter in Central Sulawesi. The acquisition plan is still in the evaluation stage, and the state - owned mining holding company Mind ID is likely to be the main partner. Danantara expects to prepare an investment plan of more than $20 billion and provide about $60 million in medium - term financing through a syndicated loan [8][10]. - Bulgaria has officially launched the largest operating battery energy storage system in the EU, with a capacity of 124 MW/496.2 MWh [10]. - A research team in Turkey has developed a TOPCon solar cell using nickel contact with almost no silver, which can significantly reduce production costs and improve sustainability and scalability [10]. - Renewable energy storage company Apatura has obtained planning permission for a 100 - MW battery energy storage system project in Scotland, which will help Scotland achieve its net - zero emissions and renewable - energy consumption goals [10].

Core Insights - Singapore aims to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050 through the development of a comprehensive ASEAN grid, which will facilitate renewable energy integration and attract significant foreign investment [2] Investment and Economic Impact - The total investment required for building a complete ASEAN grid, including renewable energy generation and necessary infrastructure, is estimated at $764 billion [2] - The integration of the grid is expected to lower overall power generation costs and stimulate regional economic growth by attracting overseas capital [2] Collaboration and Funding - A robust "government-to-government" cooperation framework is essential for securing funding from both public and private sectors, as well as long-term philanthropic sources [2] - Singapore, as a buyer of renewable energy, plans to drive related investments and collaborate with international partners such as sovereign wealth funds, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank to support project sustainability [2]

Core Insights - Natural gas is expected to remain a significant power source for Singapore over the next 20 years, but its share is projected to decrease from approximately 95% to below 50% [2] - The remaining power gap will primarily be filled through imports, with renewable energy import targets potentially exceeding the current 6 gigawatts if related projects progress smoothly [2] - By 2050, hydrogen or imported electricity is likely to replace natural gas as the main power source, depending on technological advancements and international developments [2] Energy Transition Strategies - The Singapore government is exploring various pathways to achieve sustainable development and energy resilience while ensuring affordable electricity prices [2] - Collaboration with neighboring countries is crucial for importing renewable energy, which could meet over one-third of the national electricity demand [2] - Solar technology is rapidly advancing and has the potential to satisfy about 4% to 5% of electricity needs, while other options like low-carbon hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and geothermal energy are still under research due to limited data [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business saw a decline of 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year, with hopes for improvement in the second half [7][8] - Overall revenue contribution from property sales and hotel business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down 6% [8] - The Mainland China rental revenue decreased by 1% in renminbi terms, but due to RMB depreciation, it was down by 2% in Hong Kong dollars [9][10] - Hong Kong rental revenue decreased by 4%, with the core rental business representing 94% of total operations [10][11] - Net gearing stood at 33.5%, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue in Mainland China improved from a decline of 4% in 2024 to a decline of 1% in 2025 [11] - Retail business remained flat compared to a decline of 3% in 2024, with seven out of ten projects showing positive growth [12] - The hotel business was reclassified under property, contributing to the overall revenue decline [10] - New letting increased by 36%, indicating strong demand despite market challenges [17] - The occupancy rate improved from 83% to 88% in certain properties, reflecting effective management strategies [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape in Mainland China has evolved, with athleisure brands performing better than luxury brands [16] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience through events and tenant management to adapt to changing consumer behavior [16] - The luxury retail segment saw a decline of 12%, while other segments showed resilience [90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its strengths and adapt to market changes, focusing on customer-centric strategies and enhancing tenant offerings [16][18] - Plans to launch a national program to improve operational efficiency and attract foot traffic in second-tier cities [16] - The company is exploring hybrid models for expansion, particularly in cities where it already has a presence [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability and potential uplift in the market, with expectations for mild growth in the second half of the year [6][62] - The sentiment in the property sector has stabilized, contributing to improved occupancy and traffic [66] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by competition and the need for differentiation in the retail space [76] Other Important Information - The company is committed to sustainability, with 80% of projects in Mainland China powered by renewable energy [39] - The company is focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing finance costs effectively [36][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future expansion using high room property models - Management indicated that expansion will only occur when there is demand and synergy with existing projects [60] Question: Tenant sales trend in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement from negative sales to mild growth in the second half of the year [62] Question: Reasons for improvement in the second quarter - Factors included improved occupancy, traffic, and external market conditions stabilizing [66] Question: Dividend guidance for the full year - Management intends to maintain a flat dividend, with discussions ongoing regarding future cash dividends [83][84] Question: Potential issuance of convertible bonds - Management is cautious about dilutive instruments and is monitoring the market but does not plan to issue convertible bonds at this time [72][73] Question: Transition progress in specific projects - Management reported improvements in occupancy and traffic, with a focus on enhancing the tenant mix and customer experience [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business revenue decreased by 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year, with hopes for improvement in the second half [8][10] - Overall revenue contribution from property sales and hotel business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down by 6% [9][10] - The net gearing of Hang Lung Properties stood at 33.5%, reflecting a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue in Mainland China decreased by 1% in the first half of 2025, an improvement from a 4% decline in 2024 [12][10] - Retail business remained flat compared to a 3% decline in 2024, with seven out of ten projects showing positive revenue growth [13][14] - The office segment continued to face challenges, with a decline of 4% in rental revenue [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong's rental revenue saw a decline of 4%, but residential and service apartment rentals improved by 11% [32][30] - The overall sales in Hong Kong decreased by 2%, which is better than the market average decline of 4% [33][32] - The luxury retail segment reported a decline of 12%, while non-luxury sales increased by 8% [97] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its retail offerings and tenant management to adapt to the evolving retail landscape [17][19] - A national program is being launched to improve operational efficiency and attract customers in second-tier cities [17] - The company is exploring hybrid models for expansion, particularly in cities where it already has a presence [65] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability and potential uplift in the market, particularly in the second half of the year [6][10] - The sentiment in the property sector has stabilized, which may lead to mild growth in tenant sales [66][71] - The company is committed to maintaining its dividend policy, with intentions to return to a cash dividend structure after the Westlake 66 Mall opens [88][89] Other Important Information - The company has increased its focus on renewable energy, with 80% of its projects in Mainland China now powered by renewable sources [41] - The company is actively working on several projects, including the Westlake 66 Mall, which is expected to enhance its market position [44][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future expansion using asset-light models - Management indicated that future expansions will depend on demand and synergy with existing projects, emphasizing a holistic approach [64][65] Question: Tenant sales trends in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement in tenant sales, moving from a negative trend to mild growth in the second half of the year [66][71] Question: Reasons for improvement in the second quarter - The improvement was attributed to increased occupancy and traffic, along with external factors such as stock market stabilization [70][71] Question: Dividend policy for the full year - Management intends to maintain the current dividend structure, with a focus on not cutting dividends unless absolutely necessary [76][88] Question: Thoughts on issuing convertible bonds - The CFO expressed caution regarding dilutive instruments, noting that the company is not considering issuing convertible bonds at this time [78][79] Question: Progress on transitioning properties - Management reported improvements in occupancy rates and is focused on enhancing the tenant mix to attract customers [79][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business revenue decreased by 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year [7][9] - Mainland China rental revenue in renminbi terms decreased by 1%, but due to renminbi depreciation, it fell by 2% in Hong Kong dollars [9][10] - Overall, the company declared the same dividend for both Hang Lung Properties and Hang Lung Group [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hotel and sales business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down by 6% [9] - Retail business revenue remained flat compared to a 3% decline in 2024, with base rent increases offsetting sales rent drops [12][13] - New letting increased by 36%, with first-in-town brands up by 57% compared to 2024 [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong rental revenue decreased by 4%, while residential and service apartment rentals improved by 11% [33] - The office segment saw a decline from -6% to -5%, with significant pressure in Shanghai due to high supply [29][30] - The overall sales in Hong Kong were down by only 2%, compared to the market's 4% decline [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience and differentiating its offerings in a changing retail landscape [17][20] - Plans to launch a national program to improve efficiency and attract foot traffic in second-tier cities [17] - The company aims to maintain a cautious but optimistic outlook for the second half of the year, hoping for stability and potential growth [6][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability of the market and potential for growth in the second half of the year [6][62] - The company noted that external factors, such as improved stock market sentiment, contributed to better performance in the second quarter [67] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the office segment but emphasized the retention of quality tenants [30][32] Other Important Information - The company is at the peak of its CapEx cycle, with expectations for a decline in capital expenditures moving forward [36] - The net gearing ratio stood at 33.5%, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [36] - The company is committed to sustainability, with 80% of projects in Mainland China powered by renewable energy [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future hybrid property models for retail expansion - Management indicated that hybrid models would be considered only when there is demand and synergy with existing projects [60] Question: Tenant sales trends in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement from negative sales to mild growth in the second half of the year [62] Question: Improvement in second quarter despite trade war concerns - Management attributed the improvement to occupancy and traffic increases, as well as external factors stabilizing the market [67] Question: Dividend policy and potential return to cash dividends - Management stated that a return to cash dividends is possible after the Westlake 66 Mall opens, but it will depend on board discussions [83] Question: Rationale behind declassifying luxury and non-luxury tenants - Management explained the decision to avoid binary classifications to better reflect customer behavior and contributions from various tenant categories [85][88] Question: Drivers for tenants willing to pay higher base rent - Management noted that positive reversion is seen in seven out of ten malls, with the potential for improved sales driving higher base rents [92]

Core Insights - Despite several banks exiting the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), their sustainable development agendas largely remain intact, with oil and gas loans decreasing by 18% in the first half of this year compared to the average for the first half of 2024 [3][4] - JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs continue to lead in sustainable bond revenues and are seizing opportunities in emerging markets, while Japanese banks like SMFG are filling the financing gap left by exiting banks [3][4] Group 1: Oil and Gas Financing Trends - Among the 17 banks that exited NZBA, oil and gas loans decreased by 18% in the first half of this year compared to the average for the first half of 2024 [4] - SMFG's financing to the oil and gas sector surged by 149%, with transaction volumes doubling, while Mizuho Financial Group's financing increased by 80% [4] - Japanese banks are playing a crucial role in U.S. LNG financing, with SMFG acting as the bookrunner in a $1.5 billion acquisition deal involving Chevron's assets [4] Group 2: Coal Financing and Policy Adjustments - SMFG leads in coal financing among Asia-Pacific banks, while other U.S. banks have adjusted climate policies to allow financing for the early closure of coal plants, potentially leading to increased financing emissions [7] - No European banks have provided financing for coal businesses this year, as per NZBA guidelines [7] Group 3: Sustainable Finance Commitments - RBC appears to be the only bank that has abandoned its sustainable finance commitments after exiting NZBA, while four U.S. banks that exited still rank among the top 10 in global sustainable bond issuance [9] - The NZBA's relaxation of requirements may attract other banks to rejoin, as it allows for alignment with "well below 2 degrees Celsius" targets [9] Group 4: Emerging Market Sustainable Bonds - The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) aims to mobilize private financing in emerging markets, with banks launching new sustainable products [11] - Goldman Sachs launched a $290 million Emerging Markets Green and Social Bond Active UCITS ETF, including bonds from Serbia, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile [11] - JPMorgan completed a $1 billion transaction for El Salvador, indicating increased participation in developing markets through "debt-for-nature" mechanisms [11]

Core Viewpoint - The beverage industry faces significant challenges in translating sustainability commitments into quantifiable emission reductions, with current progress lagging behind the required pace to meet net-zero targets set for 2030 and 2050 [1][12]. Emission Tracking: Current Status - The beverage industry has shown a 10% improvement in carbon emissions compared to 2021 predictions, but the current compound annual reduction rate of -1.7% is far below the -7.8% needed to meet the 1.5°C temperature control target [2][3]. - If the current reduction pace continues, carbon emissions are projected to reach 1.2875 billion tons by 2030, exceeding the interim target of 1.25 billion tons by 3% [3]. - By 2050, emissions are expected to remain at 920 million tons, representing an 83% gap from the net-zero target of 160 million tons [3]. Sectoral Differences in Emission Reduction - Different beverage categories exhibit varying progress in emissions reduction, with wine leading at a 38.4% reduction, followed by beer and fruit wine at -26.4%, dairy and alternatives at -16.1%, ready-to-drink beverages at -8.3%, and hot drinks at -6.8% [5]. - Conversely, categories like spirits and soft drinks have seen increases in emissions by 94.6% and 10.5%, respectively, primarily due to improved reporting and increased production [5]. Decarbonization Strategies: Insights from CSOs - A survey of Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) from leading beverage companies revealed that only 17% are fully satisfied with their carbon reduction progress, while 66% are cautiously optimistic [7]. - Regarding net-zero targets, 40% of CSOs are confident in achieving their goals, while 60% express concerns about meeting certain benchmarks [7]. - The industry is actively pursuing decarbonization across the value chain, with 57% of CSOs adopting new agricultural practices and 71% implementing packaging reduction measures [8][10]. Investment and Structural Challenges - The beverage industry is characterized by gradual improvements rather than breakthrough changes, with key challenges including insufficient commercial value of decarbonization initiatives and low internal consensus [11]. - To overcome these barriers, companies need to integrate sustainability goals with core business strategies, enhance cross-departmental collaboration, and develop robust business case evaluations for long-term benefits [11][12]. Future Outlook - Despite the challenges, there is a positive momentum in the beverage industry towards achieving sustainability goals, with a focus on critical areas for investment and improvement [12]. - Companies are expected to increase decarbonization investments by 25% in 2025, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach to funding sustainability initiatives [10].

Core Insights - Extreme weather events have significantly impacted global food prices, with notable increases such as a 300% rise in Australian lettuce prices and an 80% increase in U.S. vegetable prices [1][2] - The report warns that unprecedented extreme weather conditions will become more common, surpassing the adaptability of current agricultural and economic systems [1] Food Price Increases - California has experienced its driest three years on record, leading to nearly 1 million acres of farmland left uncultivated, resulting in initial revenue losses of nearly $2 billion for vegetable crops [1] - Arizona faced water shortages due to drought in the Colorado River basin, contributing to significant vegetable price increases in the U.S. [1] - In South Korea, vegetable prices surged nearly 70% due to widespread high temperatures, prompting the government to utilize national reserves [2] - Australia experienced record floods, leading to lettuce prices soaring to approximately 12 AUD (about 7.81 USD) from around 2.80 AUD, marking a rise of over 300% [2] Climate Change and Agricultural Sensitivity - Not all agricultural products are equally sensitive to climate risks; coffee and beef prices have been rising due to specific production conditions, while more adaptable crops like corn have not seen similar price increases [3] - New U.S. tariffs may further squeeze foreign farmers' profit margins, complicating producers' decisions [3] Political and Economic Implications - High inflation rates linked to food price surges can alter election outcomes, as evidenced by studies from 18 countries [4] - Rising staple food prices exert pressure on economies and public health, particularly affecting low-income households [4] - The volatility in food prices poses challenges for macroeconomic management, complicating efforts to control overall inflation rates [4][5] - The rising cost of living has played a significant role in recent elections, with warnings that these impacts will worsen without achieving net-zero emissions [5] - The upcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit will address the threats posed by climate change to global food systems, with food price inflation as a central topic [5]

Core Points - The Yarlung Tsangpo River downstream hydropower project has officially commenced construction, marking a significant milestone for both Beijing and Tibet's Nyingchi region [1] - The project involves an investment of approximately 1.2 trillion yuan and aims to build five hydropower stations with a total installed capacity of 70 to 81 million kilowatts, which is equivalent to three Three Gorges projects [3][4] - The expected annual electricity generation of the project is around 300 billion kilowatt-hours, which is three times that of the Three Gorges Dam, positioning it as one of the largest power projects globally [3][4] Economic Impact - The project is projected to boost China's GDP by approximately 0.1 percentage points in its first year, with an estimated annual contribution of about 120 billion yuan over its 10-year construction period [4] - The construction is anticipated to provide a significant economic stimulus, particularly benefiting sectors such as construction, cement, and steel [4][6] - The stock market has reacted positively, with a surge in related stocks, particularly in the water conservancy, infrastructure, steel, cement, and engineering machinery sectors, leading to a notable increase in trading volumes [4][6] Investment Opportunities - Several brokerage firms have released reports highlighting investment opportunities in sectors related to the Yarlung Tsangpo project, including civil explosives, tunneling, and geotechnical industries [6] - Key companies to watch include China Power Construction, China Energy Engineering, and regional leaders in cement and civil explosives, which are expected to benefit from the project [6] - The high technical barriers of the project suggest that investment focus may narrow to a few key beneficiaries after initial widespread market enthusiasm [6]