Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a continued weakening in demand for copper, with potential risks of short squeezes persisting in the market, suggesting that while copper prices may remain strong in the short term, they could revert to a more volatile state after any short squeeze ends [3]. Inventory - As of July 4, 2025, domestic copper social inventory increased by 1.3%, while LME copper inventory rose by 5.1% [4]. - Domestic port copper concentrate inventory reached 666,000 tons, up 6.8% from the previous week [4]. - Global electrolytic copper inventory totaled 381,000 tons as of June 30, 2025, down 4.1% [4]. Raw Materials - The price difference between refined copper and scrap copper decreased by 260 yuan/ton this week [5]. - In March 2025, China's refined copper output was 157,000 tons, up 25.4% month-on-month and 6.9% year-on-year [5]. - Global refined copper output in April 2025 was 1.969 million tons, up 5.6% year-on-year [5]. Smelting - In June 2025, China's electrolytic copper output was 1.1349 million tons, down 0.3% month-on-month but up 12.9% year-on-year [6]. - The TC spot price as of July 4, 2025, was -43.31 USD/ton, reflecting a slight increase of 0.3 USD/ton from June 27, 2025, but still at a low level since September 2007 [6]. Demand - The cable industry's operating rate decreased by 2.4 percentage points to 67.81% as of July 3, 2025, with cables accounting for approximately 31% of domestic copper demand [7]. - Air conditioning production is expected to decline year-on-year by 1.9%, 4.6%, and 12.8% from July to September 2025 [7]. - The operating rate for brass rods was 50.6% in May 2025, down 4.4 percentage points month-on-month but up 0.05 percentage points year-on-year [7]. Futures - As of July 4, 2025, the open interest for SHFE copper contracts increased by 1.3% to 216,000 lots, placing it at the 64th percentile since 1995 [8]. - Non-commercial net long positions on COMEX rose by 23.7% to 29,000 lots, also at the 64th percentile since 1990 [8].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform the Market" (maintained) [2] Core Viewpoints - Precious metals are expected to maintain a long-term bullish trend despite a recent 2.8% decline in domestic spot gold prices. The geopolitical instability and the weakening global position of the US dollar are anticipated to provide lasting support for gold prices [4]. - Industrial metal prices showed mixed performance, with copper prices experiencing a 1.3% increase, while aluminum prices fell by 0.5%. The decline in copper exchange inventories has raised concerns about potential short squeezes, which may lead to increased price volatility [4]. - Rare earth prices, particularly praseodymium-neodymium oxides, have seen an upward trend, while tungsten prices remained stable. The recovery in manufacturing is expected to drive demand for tungsten in cutting and wear-resistant tools [4]. - Lithium hydroxide prices have decreased, while cobalt prices have risen. The demand for energy metals is being closely monitored for future growth [4]. - The report recommends investing in the non-ferrous metal sector, particularly precious metals, with companies like Shandong Gold, Chifeng Jilong Gold, and Zijin Mining being highlighted as potential investment opportunities [4]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Data Review 1.1 Precious Metals - The report indicates a bullish outlook for gold due to geopolitical tensions and the weakening dollar [4]. 1.2 Industrial Metals - SHFE copper price is at 79,920 CNY/ton, with a weekly increase of 1.3%. LME copper price is at 10,051 USD/ton, with a 3.5% weekly increase [27]. 1.3 Minor Metals - Prices for praseodymium-neodymium oxides have increased, while tungsten prices have remained stable [28]. 1.4 Energy Metals - Lithium hydroxide prices have decreased, while cobalt prices have increased. The report emphasizes the need to monitor future demand for energy metals [34]. 2. Market Data - The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 1.91%, and the non-ferrous metal sector increased by 5.11% during the reporting period [35]. 3. Important Events Review - The report highlights ongoing competition in the copper market, with significant pressure on buyers due to declining inventories [42].