1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Manganese silicon/silicon iron: Volatile [1] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the fourth quarter, the ferroalloy market will face a game between fundamentals and macro - factors. The cost center will move up due to the rebound of coking coal prices, while the supply pressure remains with the continuous release of new manganese silicon production capacity and high - level silicon iron supply. With lackluster demand, the prices of ferrous commodities may be more affected by the macro - environment and policy expectations, deviating from fundamentals. It is expected that ferroalloy prices will seek a balance between weak fundamentals and macro - sentiment, showing a range - bound trend with limited upside and downside space [4] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Third - Quarter Review of the Manganese Silicon and Silicon Iron Markets - In the first quarter, manganese ore prices rose steadily due to factors such as decreasing port inventories and reduced Gabonese shipments, driving up manganese silicon prices. Then, as the cost - driving force weakened, manganese silicon prices declined until a rebound in the third quarter. Silicon iron prices were under pressure in the first half of the year due to weak demand. Although it followed the upward trend of manganese silicon passively, it continued to decline. In the third quarter, both manganese silicon and silicon iron prices rebounded with the recovery of coking coal prices [11] 3.2 Manganese Silicon: Rising Costs and High - Level Supply 3.2.1 Cost Increase - Manganese ore prices reached a high in the first quarter, driven by factors like slow overseas shipments, low port inventories, and concentrated ownership of oxidized ore. After that, prices declined as supply increased. In the third quarter, the price increase was limited. In the fourth quarter, port inventories are expected to be replenished, but the decline in prices may be limited. Chemical coke prices fell in the first half of the year and rebounded in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, they are expected to fluctuate within a range, providing some support to alloy prices [22][40] 3.2.2 High - Level Supply - Manganese silicon manufacturers' operating rates declined this year due to shrinking profits, but increased slightly in the second quarter as costs eased. In the third quarter, the operating rate remained high. In the fourth quarter, new production capacity is expected to be put into operation, maintaining high - level supply [42] 3.3 Silicon Iron: Rising Operating Rates and Increasing Inventories 3.3.1 Supply Release Driven by Rising Futures Profits - Silicon iron production was high from January to April. In the second quarter, production decreased due to losses. In the third quarter, with the recovery of prices and profits, supply increased. In different regions, Inner Mongolia had a high and rising operating rate, Ningxia was stable, and Shaanxi had a relatively low operating rate. In the fourth quarter, the over - capacity situation remains, and the operating rate will be profit - driven, with high supply elasticity [50][51] 3.3.2 Pressured Steel Demand at Home and Abroad - In the fourth quarter, steel demand is expected to weaken due to seasonal factors and weak real - estate investment. Silicon iron exports have been under pressure this year and are expected to remain weak in the fourth quarter. The demand from the magnesium market has limited impact on silicon iron. The balance of the silicon iron market in the fourth quarter will depend on supply - side adjustments [68] 3.4 Summary of Manganese Silicon and Silicon Iron in the Second Half of the Year - In the fourth quarter, the ferroalloy market will face a game between fundamentals and macro - factors. Cost centers will move up, while supply pressure remains. With lackluster demand, prices are expected to be range - bound, and the market's volatility will depend on the game between cost support, supply pressure, and macro - factors [70][71]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an overall industry investment rating. However, it offers individual outlooks for various energy and chemical products, including "oscillating weakly", "oscillating", and "oscillating strongly" [277]. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The energy and chemical market is influenced by multiple factors, including geopolitical tensions, supply - demand dynamics, and cost factors. Geopolitical concerns, such as the situation in Ukraine and the potential for increased sanctions on Russia, are major drivers of price volatility. Supply - demand imbalances vary by product, with some facing oversupply issues while others have improving demand [2][3][8]. - The prices of most energy and chemical products are expected to oscillate in the short - term, with some products having a weakening or strengthening bias. The market is also affected by seasonal factors, such as pre - holiday stocking and autumn maintenance [3][4]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Market News and Main Logic - **Crude Oil**: Geopolitical concerns have resurfaced, and supply pressure persists. Despite the expected resumption of Iraqi oil exports, the potential for increased restrictions on Russian oil by the US and the uncertainty of sanctions policies are driving price volatility. OPEC+ is accelerating production, and refinery operations are expected to decline, putting downward pressure on prices. The outlook is for weak oscillation, with attention on short - term geopolitical disturbances [2][8]. - **Asphalt**: It follows the upward trend of crude oil. However, its absolute price is overestimated, and the monthly spread is expected to decline as warehouse receipts increase. The profit margin is compressed, and the supply situation has improved significantly, with the October production plan increasing by 19% year - on - year [9]. - **High - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: Geopolitical disturbances have driven up prices. Although Russian fuel oil exports reached a high in September, geopolitical factors may cause a significant decline in export expectations. Demand is expected to improve, but the impact of geopolitical events on prices is likely to be short - lived [10]. - **Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: It oscillates upward following crude oil. It faces challenges such as a decline in shipping demand, green energy substitution, and high - sulfur substitution. However, its current low valuation means it will likely follow crude oil price movements [13]. - **Methanol**: Inland olefin procurement continues, and the price oscillates. There is a contradiction between near - term and far - term inventory pressures, and there may be opportunities for long - positions in September - October [26]. - **Urea**: The supply - demand situation remains loose, and prices are under long - term pressure along the cost line. Although there are some positive expectations, the market is cautious, and prices are expected to oscillate narrowly [27]. - **Ethylene Glycol (MEG)**: The expectation of inventory accumulation suppresses upward price elasticity, and inventory has increased slightly. The price is expected to have limited rebound in the short - term [20][22]. - **PX**: Cost provides support, but the supply - demand outlook is weakening, and processing fees are under pressure. Supply remains high, and the potential for PTA factory production cuts may further affect demand [14][15]. - **PTA**: There are rumors of major PTA manufacturers cutting production to support prices, and processing fees have improved significantly. The market is expected to oscillate in the short - term, with attention on the TA01 - 05 reverse spread [15][16]. - **Short - Fiber**: Downstream markets are replenishing stocks before the holiday, and inventory has decreased slightly. The price is expected to oscillate at the bottom in the short - term, following raw material prices [22][23]. - **Bottle Chip**: Typhoons have caused short - term plant shutdowns, and supply - demand drivers are limited. The price is expected to oscillate, following raw material prices [23][24]. - **PP**: Before the holiday, both long and short positions are cautious. The price is expected to oscillate, with attention on the support level of previous lows. Supply is increasing more than demand, and inventory pressure remains [31]. - **Propylene**: It follows the fluctuations of PP and oscillates in the short - term [32]. - **Plastic**: Before the holiday, both long and short positions are cautious. The price is expected to oscillate, with short - term support from factors such as reduced inventory pressure in the US and pre - holiday replenishment demand [30]. - **Pure Benzene**: The rebound is limited, and the price oscillates. There is difficulty in reducing inventory before the end of the year, especially in October when import pressure is high [17][19]. - **Styrene**: The rebound is limited, and the price oscillates. High inventory levels in the upstream and downstream are difficult to reduce, and the cost of pure benzene may drag down prices [19][20]. - **PVC**: Market sentiment has improved, and the price oscillates. Although the fundamentals are under pressure, factors such as production cuts in September and increased downstream procurement at low prices are providing some support [33]. - **Caustic Soda**: There are strong expectations but weak reality, and the price oscillates. The demand outlook is positive, but there are still short - term supply pressures [34]. 3.2 Variety Data Monitoring - **Inter - Period Spreads**: The inter - period spreads of various products show different trends, with some narrowing and others widening. For example, the 1 - 5 month spread of PX has decreased by 20, while the 5 - 9 month spread of PP has increased by 17 [35]. - **Basis and Warehouse Receipts**: The basis and warehouse receipt data of different products also vary. For instance, the basis of asphalt is 60 with a change of - 48, and the number of warehouse receipts is 55980 [36]. - **Inter - Variety Spreads**: The inter - variety spreads, such as the spread between PP and methanol, and PTA and PX, show different degrees of change, reflecting the relative price relationships between different products [37].

Report Summary 1) Report Industry Investment Rating No specific industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2) Core Views of the Report - PX: Short - term rebound due to oil price support, but mid - term trend remains weak. Hold short positions and maintain reverse calendar spreads [6]. - PTA: Short - term cost support is strong, but mid - term unilateral trend is weak. Implement 1 - 5 reverse calendar spreads [7]. - MEG: Unilateral trend is bearish due to large supply pressure. Short on rallies and hold reverse calendar spreads [7][8]. 3) Summary by Related Catalogs Market Dynamics - **Crude Oil**: Due to the instability of the Russia - Ukraine situation and potential escalation of US sanctions on some oil - producing countries, international oil prices rose. NYMEX crude futures contract 11 rose $1.13/barrel (+1.81% month - on - month), and ICE Brent crude futures contract 11 rose $1.06/barrel (+1.59% month - on - month) [3]. - **PX**: On September 23, PX price declined. The Asian PX price dropped month - on - month as market sentiment and buying interest weakened. The 10 - month MOPJ was estimated at $586/ton CFR. The PX valuation on September 23 was $803/ton, a $5 decrease from September 22 [3][4]. - **PTA**: The spot price dropped to 4470 yuan/ton, with a mainstream basis of 01 - 79 [5]. - **MEG**: The spot price this week and next week was around 4325 yuan/ton (high) and 4270 yuan/ton (low), with a daily average of 4297 yuan/ton. The planned arrival at major ports from September 22 - 28 was about 7.3 tons [5]. - **Polyester**: On September 23, the sales of polyester yarn in Jiangsu and Zhejiang were generally weak, with an average sales rate of just over 30% by 3:30 pm. The sales of direct - spun polyester staple fibers were average, with an average sales rate of 44% by 3:00 pm [6]. Trend Intensity - The trend intensity of PX, PTA, and MEG is 0, indicating a neutral trend [6]. Fundamental Data | Futures | Yesterday's Closing Price | Change | Change Rate | Month Spread | Yesterday's Closing Price | Previous Day's Closing Price | Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | PX Main | 6530 | - 6592 | - 0.94% | PX11 - 1 | 4 | 18 | - 14 | | PTA Main | 4556 | - 30 | - 0.65% | PTA11 - 1 | - 22 | - 20 | - 2 | | MEG Main | 4212 | - 28 | - 0.66% | MEG1 - 5 | - 67 | - 54 | - 13 | | PF Main | 6250 | - 24 | - 0.38% | PF11 - 12 | 40 | 34 | 6 | | SC Main | 473.1 | - 9.9 | - 2.05% | SC11 - 12 | - 0.5 | - 0.2 | - 0.3 | | Spot | Yesterday's Price | Previous Day's Price | Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | PX CFR China ($/ton) | 803.33 | 808.33 | - 5 | | PTA East China (yuan/ton) | 4468 | 4515 | - 47 | | MEG Spot | 4292 | 4342 | - 50 | | Naphtha MOPJ | 597.5 | 595.62 | 1.88 | | Dated Brent ($/barrel) | 68.41 | 66.75 | 1.66 | | Spot Processing Fee | Yesterday's Price | Previous Day's Price | Change | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | PX - Naphtha Spread | 218.92 | 227.29 | - 8.38 | | PTA Processing Fee | 174.72 | 189.33 | - 14.61 | | Short - Fiber Processing Fee | 237.89 | 220.08 | 17.81 | | Bottle - Chip Processing Fee | 67.94 | 40.17 | 27.78 | | MOPJ Naphtha - Dubai Crude Spread | - 6.01 | - 6.01 | 0 | [2]

Core Viewpoint - The industrial silicon market is experiencing a short-term high-level fluctuation due to increased production in Xinjiang and strong coal prices providing cost support, despite overall inventory levels being high [3]. Supply - In Xinjiang, the weekly industrial silicon production increased by 0.15 million tons to 33.6 thousand tons, with the operating rate rising by 3.1% to 69.36% [2]. - In Yunnan, production slightly increased by 50 tons to 7,565 tons, while Sichuan's production remained stable at 2,135 tons [2]. Demand - The operating rates for recycled and primary aluminum alloys remained stable week-on-week, with a slight decrease in aluminum alloy spot prices [2]. - The weekly production of organic silicon DMC saw a minor increase, while spot prices remained stable; however, the production of polysilicon decreased by 200 tons to 31,000 tons, still at a high level [2]. Inventory - Social inventory of industrial silicon increased by 0.4 million tons to 543 thousand tons, remaining at a high level compared to the same period last year [2]. - Downstream industrial silicon inventory was stable at 221.5 thousand tons, and registered warehouse receipts totaled 49,874 hands, also stable week-on-week [2]. Price and Profit - As of September 19, the price in East China was 9,600 yuan/ton, up 100 yuan/ton week-on-week, with a basis of -1,705 yuan/ton, down 460 yuan/ton [2]. - The price of silicon coal in Xinjiang increased by 200 yuan/ton to 1,500 yuan/ton, leading to a decrease in industrial silicon production profits week-on-week [2].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No information provided on the industry investment rating 2. Core View of the Report - Later, be cautious about short - selling at low levels for PP, and it may be a volatile market in the medium - term [1] - Short - term demand improves month - on - month, but the cost side remains weak. Supply pressure will increase in the future, but there are also positive factors such as holiday effects, potential Fed rate cuts, and uncertainties in the Middle East [2] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Fundamental Tracking - **Futures Data**: The closing price of PP2601 yesterday was 6913, with a daily decline of 0.43%. The trading volume was 255,093, and the open interest increased by 19,156. The 01 - contract basis was - 193, and the 01 - 05 contract spread was - 23 [1] - **Spot Price**: The spot price of PP in North China was 6700 - 6860 yuan/ton, in East China was 6720 - 6920 yuan/ton, and in South China was 6690 - 6900 yuan/ton yesterday [1] 3.2 Spot News - The domestic PP market declined slightly by 10 - 30 yuan/ton. Futures fluctuated at a low level, weakening cost support. Traders actively sold goods, and downstream demand was weak [2] 3.3 Market Condition Analysis - Short - term demand improves, but the cost side is weak. Supply pressure will increase due to the resumption of maintenance devices and new capacity expansion. However, there are positive factors such as holiday effects, potential Fed rate cuts, and uncertainties in the Middle East [2] 3.4 Trend Intensity - The trend intensity of PP is 0, indicating a neutral trend [3]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core View of the Report - The domestic crude oil futures contract 2510 is expected to run weakly, showing a volatile and slightly weak trend in the short - term, medium - term, and intraday periods. The main reason is that the expected increase in supply outweighs geopolitical risk factors [1][5]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Time - Cycle Views - **Short - term (within one week)**: The crude oil 2510 contract is expected to be volatile [1]. - **Medium - term (two weeks to one month)**: The crude oil 2510 contract is expected to be volatile [1]. - **Intraday**: The crude oil 2510 contract is expected to be volatile and slightly weak [1][5]. 3.2 Price and Market Performance - On Thursday night, the domestic crude oil futures 2510 contract slightly closed down 0.06% to 483.3 yuan/barrel, and the decline has slowed down [5]. - It is expected that on Friday, the domestic crude oil futures 2510 contract will maintain a volatile and slightly weak trend [5]. 3.3 Core Logic - The market is worried that OPEC+ oil - producing countries will expand oil production capacity again, and the increasing supply pressure outweighs geopolitical risk factors [5].

Core Viewpoint - The planned volume of petroleum asphalt in September is set at 2.593 million tons, representing an increase of 160,000 tons or 6.58% compared to August's planned volume [1] Supply and Demand - The September planned volume is expected to be the highest production level of the year, with a likelihood of a gradual decline thereafter [1] - The supply side is anticipated to continue exerting pressure on the spot market [1]

Report Industry Investment Rating No clear investment rating for the entire industry was provided in the report. Core Viewpoints of the Report The chemical sector as a whole continues to oscillate, and the market is awaiting the introduction of specific anti - involution measures from China's petrochemical industry. Although there might be potential policy boosts, it's unclear how much of the supply will be reduced, making it difficult for the chemical industry to embark on a unilateral, independent, and profit - expanding upward trend. Investors should generally approach the market with an oscillatory mindset, waiting for the implementation of specific anti - involution policies in China's petrochemical sector [3][5]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 1. Market Overview - The US plans to double tariffs on all Indian imports to punish India for buying Russian oil, and India will maintain most of its Russian oil purchases in the coming weeks. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have led to a continuous shortage of fuel oil supply in Russia [2]. - The chemical market is in a wait - and - see mode for China's petrochemical anti - involution measures. The olefin industry chain has rebounded in the past two days due to South Korea's naphtha production cuts, but buyers are cautious. Crude oil and coal prices are oscillating, and the chemical industry is unlikely to have a one - sided upward trend [3]. 2. Variety Analysis Crude Oil - **Viewpoint**: Supply pressure persists, and oil prices are oscillating weakly. - **Main Logic**: API data shows a slight inventory draw in the US. OPEC+ supply is accelerating, US production remains high, and non - US non - OPEC+ output will increase steadily in the second half of the year. Refinery operations in China and the US may decline due to rising refined product inventories, making it difficult for oil prices to rebound. - **Outlook**: Oil prices are expected to oscillate weakly, with attention to short - term disturbances from Russia - Ukraine negotiations [10]. Asphalt - **Viewpoint**: As crude oil prices fall, asphalt futures prices are oscillating downward. - **Main Logic**: The short - term negative impacts of tariff hikes, OPEC production increases, and the easing of the Russia - Ukraine conflict are overshadowed by the escalation of the situation. The decline in crude oil prices has dampened the bullish sentiment in the asphalt market. The supply shortage problem has been significantly alleviated, and demand remains unoptimistic. - **Outlook**: The absolute price of asphalt is overvalued, and the monthly spread is expected to decline as warehouse receipts increase [11]. High - Sulfur Fuel Oil - **Viewpoint**: High - sulfur fuel oil prices rose and then fell. - **Main Logic**: The short - term negative impacts are overshadowed by the escalation of the situation. The geopolitical premium of high - sulfur fuel oil has increased but then faced challenges from increased warehouse receipts and falling crude oil prices. There are also factors such as changes in import tariffs and demand. - **Outlook**: Geopolitical upgrades have a short - term impact on prices. Attention should be paid to changes in the Russia - Ukraine situation [12]. Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil - **Viewpoint**: Low - sulfur fuel oil follows the oscillation of crude oil. - **Main Logic**: It is affected by factors such as shipping demand decline, green energy substitution, and high - sulfur substitution. It also faces supply increases and demand decreases, and is expected to maintain a low - valuation operation. - **Outlook**: It is affected by green fuel substitution and has limited high - sulfur substitution demand space. Currently, it has a low valuation and will fluctuate with crude oil [13]. PX - **Viewpoint**: The price was disturbed by market rumors and rose then fell. - **Main Logic**: There is no clear cost - side guidance. Market rumors about a large - scale PX device production cut, later proven false, caused the price to fluctuate. In the short term, the low inventory provides support for prices and processing fees. - **Outlook**: Oscillation, with attention to the support level of 6750 - 6800, and mid - line buying on dips is recommended [14]. PTA - **Viewpoint**: The supply - demand pattern has improved month - on - month, and device maintenance is on schedule. - **Main Logic**: The cost side provides support, the supply - demand situation is good, and downstream polyester load is stable. The buying sentiment has led to increased sales, and the peak - season expectation still exists. - **Outlook**: Mid - line buying on dips, with support in the 4700 - 5000 range [15]. Pure Benzene - **Viewpoint**: In the short term, it follows market sentiment, and in the medium term, it may return to the fundamentals of inventory accumulation. - **Main Logic**: Positive signals from Russia - Ukraine peace talks have weakened the support for oil prices. South Korea plans to overhaul cracking devices, and the naphtha inventory in the ARA hub is high. Although the port inventory of pure benzene is decreasing, the decline rate is slowing, and there are expectations of future inventory pressure. - **Outlook**: In the short term, sentiment dominates, and it may be strong. In the medium term, if no further anti - involution policies are implemented, it may return to the inventory - accumulation fundamentals [17]. Styrene - **Viewpoint**: In the short term, it follows commodity sentiment, and with more maintenance, profits may expand. - **Main Logic**: The port inventory increased, causing prices to fall. However, news of capacity reduction in China and South Korea and multiple device maintenance plans have stimulated the market. Although the inventory pressure in East China restricts price increases, there are profit - expansion opportunities from September to October. - **Outlook**: Fundamentally, it is bearish, but short - term short - selling is against the trend due to factors such as production restrictions during the September parade and macro - policy releases [19]. Ethylene Glycol (EG) - **Viewpoint**: Low inventory provides strong price support. - **Main Logic**: The cost side is supportive, the macro - chemical environment is favorable, and there is a peak - season expectation. Although domestic production is increasing, imports are decreasing, and terminal demand is gradually rising, maintaining a stable upward trend in polyester plant operations and an inventory - reduction logic. - **Outlook**: Price oscillation, with the upper pressure at 4600, and the 09 - 01 reverse arbitrage position can be exited [20]. Short Fiber - **Viewpoint**: It awaits cost guidance from upstream products. - **Main Logic**: With strong upstream performance, short - fiber prices follow the upstream. As the peak season approaches in September, there is an inventory - reduction expectation, and the processing fee is expected to have a lower - bound support, with the absolute price oscillating within a range. - **Outlook**: The absolute price follows raw materials and oscillates in the short term [21]. Polyester Bottle Chip - **Viewpoint**: Processing fees are continuously compressed, and profits are shifting upstream. - **Main Logic**: Upstream prices are strong, and polyester bottle - chip processing fees are passively following. With the peak season ending, there is an inventory - accumulation pressure, and processing fees are severely compressed. - **Outlook**: Oscillation, with the absolute price following raw materials [22]. Methanol - **Viewpoint**: In the near term, it focuses on the macro - environment, and in the long term, there are still overseas disturbance expectations, with the price oscillating. - **Main Logic**: The price oscillated downward on August 26. Some device restart expectations may affect cost transmission through freight increases. The port inventory has increased, and the domestic inventory is still at a relatively low level compared to the same period last year. Although the policy news has boosted the market, the actual impact on methanol is limited. Considering the high probability of overseas device shutdowns in the long term, long - position opportunities in the far - month contracts can be considered. - **Outlook**: Short - term oscillation [25]. Urea - **Viewpoint**: Market news is calm, and the market is weakly consolidating. - **Main Logic**: The market fundamentals are stable, and the market is waiting for positive expectations. The spot price in some regions has fallen, but there is also a price - support expectation. - **Outlook**: Oscillation, waiting for the implementation of demand [26]. LLDPE - **Viewpoint**: As oil prices fall, LLDPE oscillates in the short term. - **Main Logic**: News of domestic and South Korean petrochemical capacity reduction has stimulated the market, but the actual impact is limited. Oil prices are oscillating, and the supply pressure persists. There is still capital - game in the macro - environment, and the consumption expectation for the "Golden September and Silver October" exists. The LLDPE fundamentals are under pressure, with high production and inventory. - **Outlook**: Short - term oscillation, with attention to the peak - season demand [30]. PP - **Viewpoint**: New capacity release and reduced maintenance lead to an oscillatory decline. - **Main Logic**: News of capacity reduction has stimulated the market, but the actual impact is limited. Oil prices are oscillating downward, and the supply pressure persists. PP supply is increasing, and there is inventory pressure in the upstream and mid - stream. Demand is in the off - peak to peak - season transition, and the start - up rate is lower than in previous years, with cautious purchasing. - **Outlook**: Short - term oscillation [31]. PL - **Viewpoint**: In the short term, it follows the oscillation of PP. - **Main Logic**: The olefin market has been boosted by news from China and South Korea. The inventory of propylene enterprises in Shandong is controllable, and the price is stable. The downstream follows demand, and the market is affected by the macro - environment and coal - price rebounds. The processing fee between PP and PL is a key focus. - **Outlook**: Short - term oscillation [32]. PVC - **Viewpoint**: Market sentiment is boosted, and PVC is weakly stabilizing. - **Main Logic**: At the macro - level, there are anti - involution expectations in China and an increased probability of overseas interest - rate cuts. At the micro - level, the PVC fundamentals are under pressure. Production is decreasing due to autumn maintenance, downstream start - up is stable, export expectations are under pressure, and the cost is weakly stable. - **Outlook**: Wide - range oscillation, with market - sentiment improvement as the driving force and inventory accumulation as the pressure [37]. Caustic Soda - **Viewpoint**: The spot - price rebound has slowed, and near - month long positions should be liquidated. - **Main Logic**: At the macro - level, there are anti - involution expectations in China and an，

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The report suggests investors should approach oil and chemical investments with a mindset of slightly bullish oscillations, awaiting the implementation of specific policies to address over - competition in China's petrochemical industry. The ratings for each variety are as follows: oil prices are expected to be slightly bearish with oscillations; asphalt, high - sulfur fuel oil, low - sulfur fuel oil, PX, PTA, short - fiber, bottle - chip, methanol, urea, ethylene glycol, pure benzene, styrene, PVC, and caustic soda are expected to oscillate; LLDPE, PP, and PL are expected to oscillate in the short - term [7][10]. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The hardening of the US stance towards Russia is the main reason for the recent strengthening of crude oil prices. Meanwhile, the chemical sector continues to be strong, awaiting policy implementation. The polyester chain performs best, while the pure benzene and styrene chains underperform. Polyolefins saw a late - stage price increase, and ethylene glycol's low port inventory supports its price [2][3]. 3. Summary According to the Table of Contents 3.1 Market Outlook - **Crude Oil**: Amidst warming macro - sentiment and continuous geopolitical disturbances, oil prices rebounded slightly after stabilizing. However, with OPEC+ accelerating supply release, high US production, and the potential decline of high - operating refineries in China and the US, the rebound's sustainability is limited. Oil prices are expected to oscillate with a slight downward trend, and short - term disturbances from Russia - Ukraine negotiations should be monitored [10]. - **Asphalt**: The short - term negative impacts of tariff hikes, OPEC production increases, and the easing of the Russia - Ukraine conflict are outweighed by the escalation of the Russia - Ukraine, Middle - East, and US - Venezuela situations. The geopolitical premium for asphalt has resurfaced, supporting its cost. The asphalt - fuel oil spread has declined from its high, and the refinery's continuous return to operation has driven the spread down. The high premium of asphalt futures is supported, but its absolute price is overestimated, and the monthly spread is expected to decline as warehouse receipts increase [11]. - **High - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: The short - term negative impacts are overshadowed by the escalation of geopolitical situations, and the geopolitical premium for high - sulfur fuel oil has returned. Although the increase in heavy - oil supply is more certain, factors such as the attack on Russian refineries, the attack on the Druzhba pipeline, and US sanctions on Chinese fuel - oil - importing enterprises have contributed to the price increase. The high cracking spread of high - sulfur fuel oil also supports its price. However, the price disturbance caused by geopolitical escalation is short - term, and changes in the Russia - Ukraine situation should be monitored [12]. - **Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: It follows the oscillation of crude oil prices. Facing negative factors such as the decline in shipping demand, green - energy substitution, and high - sulfur substitution, its valuation is low. Fundamentally, the pressure on domestic refined - oil supply may be transmitted to low - sulfur fuel oil, and it is expected to maintain a low - valuation operation, following the fluctuations of crude oil [13]. - **PX**: With the overall oscillation of crude oil prices and the strengthening of naphtha prices, there is still some support at the cost end. The new PTA production line has started production, and with the continuous improvement of terminal polyester and textile demand, the price of PX is expected to oscillate with a slight upward trend under low - inventory conditions. It is recommended to buy on dips at the medium - term level, paying attention to the support at 6750 - 6800 [14]. - **PTA**: The new production line has started production, and the pattern of inventory reduction remains unchanged. There is short - term cost support and a favorable macro - sentiment. In the medium - term, the pattern is expected to improve in August - September, and it is recommended to buy on dips at the medium - term level, with support in the 4700 - 5000 range [14]. - **Pure Benzene**: The recent positive signals from Russia - Ukraine peace talks have weakened the support for oil prices. In Asia, South Korea plans to shut down and overhaul cracking units in October, and the naphtha inventory in the ARA hub has risen. The port inventory of pure benzene has continued to decline, but the decline rate has slowed. The market is trading on the expected increase in inventory pressure. In the short - term, it is driven by sentiment and may be slightly bullish. In the medium - term, if no specific de - capacity policies are implemented, it may return to the fundamental trading of inventory accumulation [16]. - **Styrene**: The direct sales to downstream have decreased, and the arrival of supplementary goods has increased, leading to inventory accumulation at the port and a price decline. With the news of de - capacity in China and South Korea, the prices of pure benzene and styrene have rebounded. In September - October, with more maintenance plans, the supply - demand situation may reverse, and it is possible to try to expand profits in the September - October period. Fundamentally, it is still bearish, but short - selling is against the trend in the short - term due to factors such as production - limit policies for the September parade, continuous release of macro - policies, and coal - mine safety accidents [18]. - **Ethylene Glycol**: Despite high domestic supply pressure, the visible inventory has decreased month - on - month and is at the lowest level in the same period in the past five years. According to the shipping and arrival schedules, the port inventory will continue to decline in early September. The short - term fundamentals are moderately positive, and the low port inventory and the expectation of the polyester peak season provide good support. The price is expected to oscillate within a range, with the upper pressure at 4600, and the EG09 - 01 reverse - spread position should be held [20]. - **Short - Fiber**: It is waiting for cost guidance from upstream products. The upstream polymerization cost oscillates without obvious guidance, and the price of short - fiber oscillates within a range. Fundamentally, it has weakened slightly, and the production - sales ratio has slowed down. Without obvious positive demand stimuli, the processing fee is expected to remain in a low - level range. The absolute value of short - fiber follows the fluctuations of raw materials and oscillates in the short - term [21]. - **Bottle - Chip**: There is some cost support, but its own driving force is limited, and the processing fee is passively compressed. As the peak season ends, demand may weaken. Attention should be paid to the polyester factories' willingness to adjust their operating rates in September. The price oscillates, and the absolute value follows the fluctuations of raw materials [22]. - **Methanol**: In the short - term, it oscillates. The recent news of China's chemical - capacity policy has boosted the market sentiment, but the actual impact on methanol is limited. Considering the high probability of overseas shutdowns in the far - month, opportunities for buying at low prices in the far - month can be monitored [27]. - **Urea**: The actual demand is insufficient, and the export release is slow. Without positive support under the unchanged fundamentals, the futures price is under pressure. Before the actual export release, the market is in a wait - and - see mode, and the futures price is expected to oscillate with a slight downward trend. Attention should be paid to the actual progress of exports [25]. - **LLDPE**: The futures price has rebounded slightly. The news of domestic device overhauls to address over - capacity in the petrochemical industry and the news of South Korean petrochemical capacity elimination have stimulated the price, but the actual impact is limited. The short - term oil price has rebounded slightly, and the macro - level still has capital games. The fundamentals of LLDPE are still under pressure, and it is expected to oscillate in the short - term, paying attention to the demand during the peak season [29]. - **PP**: The futures price oscillates. The news of domestic device overhauls and the expectation of South Korean petrochemical device elimination have stimulated the price, but the actual impact is limited. The oil price oscillates in the short - term, and the supply side of PP still has an increasing trend. The upstream and mid - stream inventory pressure exists, and the demand is in the off - peak to peak - season transition, with low operating rates in the plastic - weaving and injection - molding industries. It is expected to oscillate in the short - term [31]. - **PL**: In the short - term, it follows the oscillation of PP. The short - term sentiment in the olefin sector has been boosted by the news from China and South Korea, but the downstream buying enthusiasm has decreased. The trading volume of propylene enterprises has decreased, and the price has moved down slightly. The short - term futures price follows the fluctuations of PP, and the polypropylene processing fee represented by PP - PL is the focus of the market [33]. - **PVC**: The market sentiment has improved, and PVC has weakly stabilized. At the macro - level, there are expectations of anti - over - competition policies in China, and the probability of overseas interest - rate cuts has increased. At the micro - level, the fundamentals of PVC are under pressure, with stable costs. The upstream has started autumn maintenance, production has declined, downstream operating rates have changed little, and low - price purchases have increased. The anti - dumping policy may take effect within a month, and export expectations are under pressure. The price is expected to oscillate widely, with the driving force coming from the improvement of market sentiment and the pressure from inventory accumulation [34]. - **Caustic Soda**: The spot price increase may slow down. At the macro - level, there are expectations of anti - over - competition policies in China, and the probability of overseas interest - rate cuts has increased. At the micro - level, the inventory replenishment demand from non - aluminum industries is approaching the end, and there is pressure from warehouse receipts in the near - month. It is recommended to take profits on long positions in the October contract at high prices. For the January contract, it is recommended to buy on dips because the expectations of alumina and MHP production cannot be falsified, and the high operating rate of alumina supports the demand for caustic soda [35]. 3.2 Variety Data Monitoring 3.2.1 Energy and Chemical Daily Indicator Monitoring - **Inter - period Spread**: The inter - period spreads of various varieties such as Brent, Dubai, PX, PTA, MEG, and others have different changes. For example, Brent's M1 - M2 spread is 0.52 with a change of 0.01, and PX's 1 - 5 month spread is 8 with a change of - 4 [37]. - **Basis and Warehouse Receipts**: The basis and warehouse - receipt data of various varieties are provided. For example, the basis of asphalt is 8 with a change of - 9, and the number of warehouse receipts is 72650 [38]. - **Inter - variety Spread**: The inter - variety spreads of different combinations such as 1 - month PP - 3MA, 1 - month TA - EG, etc. have different changes. For example, the 1 - month PP - 3MA spread is - 198 with a change of - 21 [40]. 3.2.2 Chemical Basis and Spread Monitoring - This part provides data monitoring on the basis and spreads of various chemicals such as methanol, urea, styrene, etc., but specific data details are not fully presented in the text [41]. 3.3 Commodity Index - **Comprehensive Index**: The comprehensive index, specialty index (including the commodity index, commodity 20 index, and industrial products index), and sector index (energy index) are provided. For example, the commodity 20 index is 2486.32, up 0.97%, and the energy index on August 25, 2025, is 1226.46, up 0.84% for the day [281][283].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - The overall outlook for the energy and chemical industry is a continued pattern of consolidation, with potential disruptions from raw materials. Most of the individual product ratings are "oscillating," with some "oscillating weakly" and none with a strong positive or negative outlook [3][7][11] 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The energy and chemical chain currently has few contradictions and continues to consolidate. After experiencing the largest weekly decline since late June, crude oil futures prices stabilized slightly on Monday. The chemical chain as a whole continued to oscillate, with coal prices rising and crude oil showing signs of short - term stabilization after seven consecutive days of decline. European natural gas futures also rose due to high - temperature weather increasing power - generation demand [1][2] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Market Overview - Crude oil prices stabilized slightly after a significant weekly decline. Global crude oil inventories increased on a weekly basis, with a significant drop in Indian on - shore inventories and a change in India's import rhythm. The chemical chain showed an overall oscillating trend, with some products experiencing inventory changes and price fluctuations [1] 3.2 Individual Product Analysis - **Crude Oil**: Geopolitical concerns have eased, but supply pressure remains. The price is expected to oscillate weakly in the short term, and the focus is on the implementation of US sanctions against Russia [7] - **Asphalt**: It has broken through the important support level of 3500 yuan/ton, and the futures price is expected to move in the direction of least resistance. The absolute price is over - valued, and the monthly spread is expected to decline as warehouse receipts increase [7] - **High - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: It is oscillating weakly. Supply is expected to increase while demand decreases, and geopolitical upgrades will only cause short - term price disturbances [7][8] - **Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: The futures price follows the oscillation of crude oil and is expected to be weakly oscillating. It is affected by factors such as the decline in shipping demand, green energy substitution, and high - sulfur substitution [9] - **Methanol**: The inland market remains relatively strong, and the price is oscillating. There may be opportunities for long - positions in the far - month contracts [22] - **Urea**: The market is mainly in a stalemate, and the futures price is oscillating weakly. The short - term fundamentals cannot provide effective support [22][23] - **Ethylene Glycol (EG)**: Port inventory accumulation is not sustainable, and the medium - term price support is strengthening. The price is expected to oscillate within a certain range [16][19] - **PX**: The price of oil has stopped falling slightly, and the chemical products are in the stage of bottom - consolidation. The short - term cost still provides some support, and the price decline space is limited [11] - **PTA**: The sales volume of polyester filament has increased, boosting market sentiment. The price is expected to oscillate, and the focus is on the implementation of major factory maintenance at the beginning of August [12][13] - **Short - Fiber**: The sales are mediocre, and the market is in a consolidation phase. The price follows the movement of raw materials, and the bottom support is strengthening [19][20] - **Bottle Chip**: The raw materials have stabilized, supporting the bottom of the price. The price follows the cost of raw materials in the short term [20][21] - **PP**: Affected differently by oil and coal, the price is oscillating. The supply side still has an increasing trend, and the demand side is in the off - peak to peak season transition [27][28] - **Propylene (PL)**: Supported by spot maintenance, the PP - PL spread around 600 is considered reasonable, and the price is expected to oscillate in the short term [28] - **Plastic (LLDPE)**: The maintenance rate has decreased, and inventory has increased. The price is oscillating, and the supply side still faces certain pressure [26] - **Pure Benzene**: Import arrivals have decreased, and downstream production has started. The buying sentiment has increased this week, and the market structure has turned to Back. The overall inventory is expected to decrease slightly in August [13][14] - **Styrene**: The supply - demand outlook is still weak, and attention should be paid to the accumulation of factory inventory. The non - integrated profit has reached a neutral level [15][16] - **PVC**: The cost provides support, and the futures price is oscillating. The supply is expected to increase, and the pressure comes from high supply and continuous inventory accumulation [31] - **Caustic Soda**: The spot price has stabilized, and the price is temporarily oscillating. The 50% caustic soda price has rebounded, which has a certain boosting effect on the futures price [32] 3.3 Data Monitoring 3.3.1 Energy and Chemical Daily Indicator Monitoring - **Inter - period Spreads**: Different products have different inter - period spread values and changes, such as Brent's M1 - M2 spread being 0.67 with no change, and Dubai's M1 - M2 spread being 0.75 with a 0.01 change [34] - **Basis and Warehouse Receipts**: Each product has corresponding basis and warehouse - receipt data. For example, the basis of asphalt is 199 with a change of - 83, and the number of warehouse receipts is 76670 [35] - **Inter - product Spreads**: There are various inter - product spread data, such as the 1 - month PP - 3MA spread being - 335 with a change of - 1 [36] 3.3.2 Chemical Basis and Spread Monitoring - Specific monitoring data for products such as methanol, urea, styrene, PX, PTA, ethylene glycol, short - fiber, bottle - chip, asphalt, crude oil, LPG, fuel oil, LLDPE, PP, PVC, and caustic soda are provided, but detailed data summaries are not presented in the text [37][49][60]