Core Viewpoint - The prices of minor metals such as cobalt, tungsten, antimony, and rare earths have been rising significantly this year, driven by supply changes and increasing demand, leading to strong performance in related A-share stocks [1][2][3] Price Trends - As of August 8, 2023, the average prices for various minor metals have increased significantly compared to the beginning of the year: - Electrolytic cobalt: 265,000 RMB/ton (+55.43%) - Tungsten oxide: 317,500 RMB/ton (+32.02%) - Antimony ingot: 186,500 RMB/ton (+33.21%) - Molybdenum bar: 490 RMB/kg (+4.48%) - Bismuth: 118,500 RMB/ton (+61.22%) - Praseodymium-neodymium oxide: 521,500 RMB/ton (+31.03%) - Dysprosium oxide: 1,615,000 RMB/ton (+0.13%) - Terbium oxide: 7,020,000 RMB/ton (+25.13%) [2] Company Performance - The non-ferrous metal sector has shown significant growth, with revenue and net profit for the first quarter of 2025 increasing by 8.0% and 65.1% year-on-year, respectively [3] - Nearly 70% of the listed companies in the non-ferrous metal sector have positive performance forecasts for the first half of 2025, with notable increases in net profit for companies like Northern Rare Earth and Shenghe Resources [3] Market Dynamics - The non-ferrous metal sector has outperformed the broader market, with an increase of 32% year-to-date, compared to the Shanghai Composite Index's 8.45% rise [4] - The supply-demand dynamics have shifted, particularly with cobalt, where export bans from the Democratic Republic of Congo have led to a significant decrease in imports and a bullish price outlook [5] Demand Drivers - Rare earths are critical for various high-tech applications, including electric vehicles and renewable energy, with projected demand for neodymium-iron-boron materials expected to reach 87,000 tons by 2026 due to the growth of the electric vehicle market [7][8] - The demand for minor metals is expected to continue rising, driven by sectors such as new energy, air conditioning, and consumer electronics, alongside the commercial development of humanoid robots [9] Future Outlook - Analysts predict that the price trends for minor metals will continue upward due to persistent demand expansion and supply disruptions caused by policy changes [9] - The ongoing growth in the electric vehicle sector and other high-performance applications is expected to sustain the demand for rare earth materials, with significant implications for pricing and supply dynamics in the coming years [9]