Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4][106]. Core Views - The report highlights that copper prices are experiencing fluctuations due to the interplay of the 232 investigation and interest rate cut expectations, with recent price changes showing a mixed trend [5]. - The report emphasizes the importance of low inventory levels in supporting copper prices, while also noting the potential impact of the 232 copper import investigation and upcoming interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve [5]. - The report suggests monitoring companies such as Zijin Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Jincheng Mining, and Western Mining for investment opportunities [5]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The report provides insights into macroeconomic indicators, including U.S. employment data, which may influence market conditions [9]. - The non-ferrous metals sector's performance is analyzed, with the sector underperforming compared to the Shanghai Composite Index [11]. 2. Industrial Metals 2.1 Copper - Recent price movements show LME copper up by 0.25%, while SHFE copper is down by 0.24% [25]. - Inventory levels for copper have increased, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics [25]. 2.2 Aluminum - LME aluminum prices increased by 0.41%, with inventory levels also rising [35]. - The report notes a decrease in aluminum smelting profits, attributed to rising costs [35]. 2.3 Lead and Zinc - Lead prices have seen a slight increase, while zinc prices have decreased [48]. - Inventory levels for both metals are discussed, highlighting market supply conditions [48]. 2.4 Tin and Nickel - Tin prices have decreased slightly, while nickel prices have shown an upward trend [62]. - The report discusses profitability metrics for nickel producers in both domestic and international markets [62]. 3. Energy Metals 3.1 Lithium - Lithium prices have shown a slight rebound, with specific price changes noted for lithium carbonate and lithium spodumene [74]. - The report indicates that supply-side adjustments are anticipated, which may affect future pricing [74]. 3.2 Cobalt - Cobalt prices have increased domestically due to export bans from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which may create supply constraints [86]. - The report highlights the profitability of domestic cobalt refining operations [86].

Group 1 - Copper prices have surged unexpectedly, driven by rising expectations of interest rate cuts and improving demand sentiment, alongside a declining US dollar index which benefits global commodities, particularly copper and aluminum [1] - The price difference between Comex copper and LME has widened to $1,400, indicating market speculation around the potential removal of Section 232 tariffs [1] - Global copper inventory levels are low, with LME copper stocks decreasing from 270,000 tons at the beginning of the year to 90,000 tons currently, leading to a significant increase in LME copper's backwardation to $320, indicating tightness in the spot market [1] Group 2 - In the copper sector, companies had previously priced in copper prices of $9,000 to $9,500, and the recent price surge is expected to lead to earnings upgrades for these companies [2] - Recommended copper stocks with alpha attributes include Jincheng Mining, Luoyang Molybdenum, Zijin Mining, China Nonferrous Mining, and Minmetals Resources, which are expected to benefit from improved performance and high profit elasticity [2] - In the aluminum sector, while some stocks like China Hongqiao and Zhongfu have shown strong performance, concerns about demand from the photovoltaic sector have led to weaker performance in other aluminum stocks, despite strong underlying demand [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the non-ferrous metals industry is "Positive" (maintained) [4][6]. Core Viewpoints - The report highlights that significant inventory depletion may trigger a short squeeze, leading to a strong performance in copper prices. This week, copper prices in London, Shanghai, and New York rose by 2.1%, 2.5%, and 6.0% respectively. The price surge is attributed to macroeconomic factors, including a significant drop in the US dollar and rising expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, as well as a substantial reduction in inventory levels [6][27]. - The report suggests that the current low inventory levels will support strong copper prices in the short term, with a focus on subsequent inventory changes and potential short squeeze scenarios [6][27]. - For aluminum, the report indicates that prices are fluctuating at high levels due to low inventory, while the alumina market is experiencing weak pricing due to ample supply [6][37]. - Lithium prices are stabilizing at the bottom, with expectations for future production cuts and seasonal demand to provide support. The report notes that lithium carbonate prices increased by 1.24% to 61,150 CNY/ton [6][73]. - The report also mentions that cobalt prices are expected to rebound due to an extension of the export ban from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which may lead to a tight supply situation in Q4 [6][85]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The non-ferrous metals sector outperformed the Shanghai Composite Index, with a weekly increase of 5.11%, surpassing the index by 3.20 percentage points [13][14]. - The report provides insights into the performance of various sub-sectors, with copper, tin, and copper materials showing the most significant gains [13]. 2. Industrial Metals Copper - London copper prices increased by 2.10%, while Shanghai copper prices rose by 2.47%. Inventory levels in London and Shanghai decreased by 7.99% and 19.11% respectively [27]. Aluminum - London aluminum prices rose by 2.02%, and Shanghai aluminum prices increased by 0.24%. The report notes a decrease in inventory levels in Shanghai [37]. Lead and Zinc - Lead prices increased by 2.24%, and zinc prices rose by 4.22%. The report indicates a positive shift in profitability for mining companies [50]. Tin and Nickel - Tin prices saw an increase of 4.64%, while nickel prices rose by 1.81%. The report highlights a decline in inventory levels for both metals [64]. 3. Energy Metals Lithium - Lithium prices are showing signs of stabilization, with lithium carbonate prices rising to 61,150 CNY/ton. The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring supply-side adjustments and seasonal demand [73]. Cobalt - Cobalt prices are expected to rise due to the extension of the export ban from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which may lead to a tighter supply situation [85].