Summary of the Soda Ash Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The soda ash industry is currently experiencing a weak fundamental environment, characterized by low valuations, high inventory, high supply, and weak downstream demand since entering a bear market in 2024 [1][3] - The industry is expected to see a continuous increase in new capacity in 2025, with significant additions planned for the second half of the year [1] Key Points on Supply and Demand - Demand for float glass and photovoltaic glass has decreased, with daily melting capacity for float glass dropping from 170,000 tons to 159,000 tons and photovoltaic glass from 115,000 tons to 87,000 tons [5] - The soda ash industry is projected to see a decline in demand by 500,000 tons in 2025 [1] - Current upstream inventory is approximately 1.8 million tons, while downstream glass factories have inventory levels of about 23-28 days [6] - Without policy disruptions, supply is expected to increase by 400,000 tons while demand decreases by 500,000 tons in 2025 [7] Price Expectations - The expected price range for soda ash in the second half of 2025 is between 1,100 to 1,300 RMB in the spot market, with futures prices ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 RMB [8] - If favorable policies exceed expectations, prices could reach 1,150 to 1,500 RMB [8] - Current light soda ash prices are around 1,250 RMB, with significant losses across the industry, although some low-cost producers remain profitable due to reduced production costs [10][12] Profitability and Cost Structure - The industry is facing substantial losses, with production costs averaging 300 RMB lower due to declining raw material prices [10] - Low-cost producers such as Yuanxing Chemical and Su Salt are still profitable, with production costs below 1,100 RMB [12] - The overall industry is experiencing a cash flow impact, but many companies are managing to maintain operations despite losses [13] Future Capacity Changes - By the end of 2026, the soda ash industry is expected to add approximately 3 million tons of new capacity, with several projects already in the pipeline [17] - While some high-cost facilities may exit the market, the overall new capacity is expected to exceed the amount being phased out [18] Market Strategies for Investors - Investors are advised to consider participating in rebound opportunities and to explore arbitrage between soda ash and glass [31] - A volatility strategy may be beneficial, especially during periods of high implied volatility, which has recently reached over 80% [31][32] Conclusion - The soda ash industry is currently in a challenging phase with significant supply and demand imbalances, leading to price volatility and profitability concerns. Investors should remain cautious and consider strategic approaches to navigate the market effectively.

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the given content. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The commodity options market remained highly active this week, with an average daily trading volume of 10.36 million lots and an average daily open interest of 11.49 million lots, showing a -11.14% and +12.58% change respectively. Traders are advised to focus on potential market opportunities in actively - traded varieties [1][8]. - This week, the underlying futures of commodity options pulled back, with 44 varieties closing lower. High - volatility risks should be noted, and short - selling volatility opportunities are recommended. Attention should also be paid to the callback risks of underlying prices and the accumulation of bullish or bearish sentiment in different varieties [2][17]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Commodity Options Market Activity - The average daily trading volume of the commodity options market this week was 10.36 million lots, and the average daily open interest was 11.49 million lots, with a -11.14% and +12.58% change respectively. The market speculation degree was relatively high [1][8]. - Actively - traded varieties in terms of average daily trading volume included glass (1.73 million lots), soda ash (1.3 million lots), and polysilicon (0.88 million lots). Varieties with significant trading volume growth were p - xylene (+158%), red dates (+157%), and apples (+144%), while those with significant declines were tin (-88%) and synthetic rubber (-85%) [1][8]. - Varieties with high average daily open interest were glass (1.24 million lots), soda ash (1.2 million lots), and soybean meal (1.03 million lots). Varieties with rapid open - interest growth were ferrosilicon (+68%) and LPG (+60%) [1][8]. 3.2 Main Data Review of Commodity Options 3.2.1 Underlying Price Movements - This week, the underlying futures of commodity options pulled back, with 44 varieties closing lower. Varieties with high weekly declines included glass (-19.09%), lithium carbonate (-14.41%), soda ash (-12.78%), and industrial silicon (-12.60%) [2][17]. 3.2.2 Market Volatility - The implied volatility of commodity options declined from a high level this week. 34 varieties' current implied volatility was below the 50% percentile of the past - year history. Varieties with high implied volatility included polysilicon, lithium carbonate, ferrosilicon, and industrial silicon [2][17]. 3.2.3 Options Market Sentiment - The volume PCR of varieties such as staple fiber, copper, and p - xylene was at a historical high, indicating strong short - term bearish sentiment. The volume PCR of gold, oilseeds, and synthetic rubber was at a historical low, showing concentrated short - term bullish sentiment [2][17]. - The open - interest PCR of polysilicon, lithium carbonate, and soda ash was at a historical high, indicating a high level of accumulated bearish sentiment. The open - interest PCR of nickel, LPG, and rubber was at a historical low, indicating accumulated bullish sentiment [2][17]. 3.3 Key Data Overview of Main Varieties This chapter presents key data of main varieties, including trading volume, volatility, and options market sentiment indicators. More detailed data can be found on the Dongzheng Fanwei official website (https://www.finoview.com.cn/) [21].

Market Performance - Global stock markets experienced mixed results last week, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones down by -0.4%, -0.6%, and -1.3% respectively[3] - European indices showed varied performance; the UK FTSE 100 rose slightly while the German DAX and French CAC40 retreated[3] - In the Asia-Pacific region, market performance was also mixed[3] Economic Indicators - The US May CPI rose by 2.4% year-on-year, while the core CPI, excluding food and energy, increased by 2.8%[3] - Following the CPI data, market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut this year remain, although the timing may be delayed[3] Geopolitical Impact - The Israel-Iran conflict has led to a surge in oil prices, with Brent crude rising from $66.5 per barrel on June 10 to a peak of $78.5, closing above $75 on June 13[3] - The geopolitical tensions could significantly impact global markets, particularly US dollar assets previously affected by trade wars[3] Investment Strategies - The report suggests maintaining positions in US stocks and bonds while selectively investing in volatility-related assets like SVIX and SVXY to hedge against market fluctuations[3] - The strategy emphasizes a cautious approach, advocating for a "do not move" stance on core holdings while opportunistically entering volatility trades[3] Risk Factors - Potential risks include unexpected rebounds in overseas inflation, weaker-than-expected global economic conditions, and escalated geopolitical tensions that could lead to increased market volatility[3]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints - For non - ferrous metals in a consolidation and oscillation state, construct a short - volatility strategy; for the black series with large fluctuations, construct a seller's option combination strategy; for precious metals in a high - level oscillation in the bullish trend direction, construct a bull spread combination strategy, a short - volatility strategy, and a spot hedging strategy [2]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1. Futures Market Overview - Copper (CU2506): The latest price is 78,140, up 560 or 0.72%, with a trading volume of 11.67 million lots (down 1.61 million lots) and an open interest of 17.97 million lots (up 0.06 million lots) [3]. - Aluminum (AL2506): The latest price is 19,570, up 90 or 0.46%, with a trading volume of 26.76 million lots (up 0.08 million lots) and an open interest of 19.27 million lots (down 0.21 million lots) [3]. - Other metals such as zinc, lead, nickel, etc., also have their respective price, trading volume, and open - interest changes [3]. 3.2. Option Factor - Volume and Open Interest PCR - PCR indicators are used to describe the strength of the option underlying market and the turning point of the underlying market. For example, the copper option has a trading volume PCR of 2.20 (up 1.19) and an open - interest PCR of 1.23 (up 0.09) [4]. 3.3. Option Factor - Pressure and Support Levels - From the perspective of the maximum open - interest of call and put options, the pressure and support levels of each metal option are obtained. For example, the pressure level of copper (CU2506) is 80,000 and the support level is 70,000 [5]. 3.4. Option Factor - Implied Volatility - The implied volatility of each metal option is calculated. For example, the at - the - money implied volatility of copper is 15.91%, and the weighted implied volatility is 21.95% (up 0.95%) [6]. 3.5. Strategy and Recommendations - **Non - ferrous Metals** - **Copper Options**: Construct a short - volatility seller's option combination strategy and a spot long - hedging strategy [7]. - **Aluminum/Alumina Options**: Construct a short - neutral call + put option combination strategy and a spot collar strategy [9]. - **Other Non - ferrous Metals**: Each has corresponding directional, volatility, and spot - related strategies [9][10][11]. - **Precious Metals** - **Gold/Silver Options**: Construct a short - neutral volatility option seller's combination strategy and a spot - hedging strategy [12]. - **Black Series** - **Steel, Iron Ore, etc.**: Each has corresponding directional, volatility, and spot - related strategies. For example, construct a bearish put spread combination strategy for steel [13][14][15].

Report Summary 1. Investment Rating No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints - The report provides an overview of the metal options market, including the performance of various metal futures, option factors, and corresponding strategies and suggestions for different metal categories such as non - ferrous metals, precious metals, and black metals [2]. - For non - ferrous metals, it is recommended to construct strategies according to the market conditions of each metal, such as short - volatility strategies for copper and short - option combination strategies for aluminum [7][9]. - For precious metals, strategies like bull - spread combination strategies and short - volatility strategies are suggested for gold and silver [12]. - For black metals, strategies such as short - option combination strategies and bear - spread combination strategies are proposed for different metals like iron ore and manganese silicon [13][14]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market Overview - The report presents the latest prices, price changes, trading volumes, and open interest changes of various metal futures contracts, including copper, aluminum, zinc, etc. For example, the latest price of copper (CU2506) is 77,450, with a decrease of 580 and a decline rate of 0.74% [3]. 3.2 Option Factors - **Volume and Open Interest PCR**: This factor is used to describe the strength of the option underlying market and the turning point of the underlying market. For instance, the volume PCR of copper is 1.01, with a change of - 0.49, and the open interest PCR is 1.14, with a change of - 0.13 [4]. - **Pressure and Support Levels**: Determined from the strike prices of the maximum open interest of call and put options. For example, the pressure point of copper is 80,000 and the support point is 70,000 [5]. - **Implied Volatility**: Includes at - the - money implied volatility, weighted implied volatility, etc. For example, the at - the - money implied volatility of copper is 15.29%, and the weighted implied volatility is 21.00%, with a change of - 1.92% [6]. 3.3 Strategies and Suggestions - **Non - ferrous Metals** - **Copper**: Suggested strategies include short - volatility strategies and spot hedging strategies. For example, construct a short - volatility seller option combination strategy like S_CU2506P75000, S_CU2506P76000, S_CU2506C82000, S_CU2506C80000 [7]. - **Aluminum/Alumina**: Strategies involve short - neutral call + put option combination strategies and spot collar strategies [9]. - **Zinc/Lead**: Short - bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot collar strategies are recommended [9]. - **Nickel**: Short - bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot long - position hedging strategies are suggested [10]. - **Tin**: Bear - put spread combination strategies, short - volatility strategies, and spot collar strategies are proposed [10]. - **Lithium Carbonate**: Bear - spread combination strategies, short - bearish call + put option combination strategies, and spot covered - call strategies are recommended [11]. - **Precious Metals** - **Gold/Silver**: Bull - call spread combination strategies, short - neutral short - volatility option seller combination strategies, and spot hedging strategies are suggested [12]. - **Black Metals** - **Rebar**: Short - bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot covered - call strategies are recommended [13]. - **Iron Ore**: Short - bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot collar strategies are proposed [13]. - **Ferroalloys**: Bear - put spread combination strategies for manganese silicon are suggested [14]. - **Industrial Silicon/Polysilicon**: Bear - put spread combination strategies, short - bearish call + put option combination strategies, and spot covered - call strategies are recommended [14]. - **Glass**: Bear - put spread combination strategies, short - volatility short - call + put option combination strategies, and spot collar strategies are proposed [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of rapid price fluctuations in commodities, particularly gold, and how these fluctuations attract attention and lead to significant market reactions. It proposes a physical explanation for this behavior by exploring the hidden factor of price change rate and its impact on market dynamics [3][4][41]. Group 1: Price Volatility and Market Reactions - Rapid price movements in commodities, such as gold, generate significant public interest and commentary from various market participants [3][5]. - High price change rates are equivalent to high volatility, which tends to converge to a stable range over time [7][9]. - The article illustrates that when implied volatility spikes, it often leads to increased market activity, particularly in shorting volatility strategies [9][17]. Group 2: Shorting Volatility Strategies - One common method to short volatility is through straddles, which involve selling both a put and a call option at the same strike price [12][21]. - The effectiveness of shorting volatility is highlighted by the potential for profit when the underlying asset's price remains within a certain range [13][16]. - The article emphasizes that during periods of high volatility, traders can capitalize on the eventual return to lower volatility environments, thus profiting from the price differences [16][17]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Trading Strategies - The article discusses alternative strategies for shorting volatility, such as selling calls during price surges and selling puts during price drops, which allows traders to take advantage of market sentiment [23][27]. - It notes that these strategies carry a speculative nature, as they involve betting against prevailing market trends [28][29]. - The relationship between volatility and price movements is explored, indicating that volatility can influence price direction, particularly during rapid market movements [32][35]. Group 4: Implications for Trend Traders - The article warns trend traders to be cautious of extreme market movements, as rapid price changes can lead to temporary reversals due to the influx of arbitrage capital [37][40]. - It explains that understanding volatility can help traders anticipate market corrections following sharp price movements [40][41]. - The conclusion suggests that the alignment of volatility thresholds with market commentary can create a feedback loop, influencing price movements in unexpected ways [41][42].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The metal sector is mainly divided into non - ferrous metals, precious metals, and black metals. Different options strategies and suggestions are provided for selected varieties in each sector based on their fundamental analysis, option factor research, and market trends [7]. - For non - ferrous metals under pressure and in a consolidation phase, strategies such as shorting volatility can be constructed; for black metals with large fluctuations, seller option combination strategies are suitable; for precious metals that continue to be strong, bull spread combination strategies, short - volatility strategies, and spot hedging strategies can be adopted [2]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Futures Market Overview - The latest prices, price changes, trading volumes, and open interest changes of various metal futures contracts are presented, including copper, aluminum, zinc, etc. For example, the latest price of copper (CU2506) is 77,740, with a price increase of 150 and a trading volume of 7.91 million lots [3]. 3.2 Option Factor - Volume and Open Interest PCR - The volume and open interest PCR of various metal options are provided, which are used to describe the strength of the option underlying market and the turning point of the underlying market respectively. For instance, the volume PCR of copper options is 0.99, and the open interest PCR is 1.15 [4]. 3.3 Option Factor - Pressure and Support Levels - The pressure and support levels of various metal options are analyzed from the perspective of the strike prices with the largest open interest of call and put options. For example, the pressure level of copper (CU2506) is 80,000, and the support level is 70,000 [5]. 3.4 Option Factor - Implied Volatility - The implied volatility of various metal options is presented, including at - the - money implied volatility, weighted implied volatility, and the difference between implied and historical volatility. For example, the at - the - money implied volatility of copper options is 17.93%, and the weighted implied volatility is 23.55% [6]. 3.5 Strategies and Suggestions 3.5.1 Non - Ferrous Metals - **Copper Options**: The copper market has shown a trend of over - sold rebound and subsequent fluctuations. Option strategies include constructing short - volatility seller option combination strategies and spot long - hedging strategies [7]. - **Aluminum/Alumina Options**: The aluminum market has gradually recovered and risen under pressure. Strategies include selling neutral call + put option combination strategies and constructing spot collar strategies [8]. - **Zinc/Lead Options**: The zinc market has shown a trend of decline and subsequent rebound and consolidation. Strategies include selling bearish call + put option combination strategies and constructing spot collar strategies [8]. - **Nickel Options**: The nickel market has shown a weak trend under pressure. Strategies include selling bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot long - hedging strategies [9]. - **Tin Options**: The tin market has shown a weak trend after a decline and rebound. Strategies include bearish put spread combination strategies, short - volatility strategies, and spot collar strategies [9]. - **Lithium Carbonate Options**: The lithium carbonate market has shown a weak bearish trend. Strategies include constructing bear spread combination strategies, selling bearish call + put option combination strategies, and spot covered call strategies [10]. 3.5.2 Precious Metals - **Gold/Silver Options**: The gold market has shown a trend of high - level shock after a rise and fall. Strategies include constructing bullish call spread combination strategies, short - volatility option seller combination strategies, and spot hedging strategies [11]. 3.5.3 Black Metals - **Rebar Options**: The rebar market has shown a weak bearish trend with a recent rebound. Strategies include selling bearish call + put option combination strategies and spot covered call strategies [12]. - **Iron Ore Options**: The iron ore market has shown a short - term weak bearish trend. Strategies include selling bearish call + put option combination strategies and constructing long collar strategies [12]. - **Ferroalloy Options**: The manganese silicon market has shown a weak bearish trend. Strategies include constructing bearish put spread combination strategies and selling call + put option combination strategies [13]. - **Industrial Silicon/Polysilicon Options**: The industrial silicon market has shown a weak downward trend. Strategies include constructing bearish put spread combination strategies, selling bearish call + put option combination strategies, and spot covered call strategies [13]. - **Glass Options**: The glass market has shown a weak bearish downward trend. Strategies include constructing bearish put spread combination strategies, short - volatility selling call + put option combination strategies, and constructing long collar strategies [14].