1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content 2. Core Viewpoints - For the nickel market, influenced by Indonesian policy changes, the bullish sentiment is high, and nickel prices are expected to maintain an overall rebound trend. However, high inventory and oversupply in the fundamentals will drag down the rebound strength [3]. - For the stainless - steel market, although the weak supply - demand situation has not changed fundamentally, short - term cost support and technical strength provide price resilience. Investors should pay attention to the implementation progress of Indonesian policies and inventory changes to seize the opportunity of oscillating upward [6]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Nickel Variety Market Analysis - **Futures**: On December 24, 2025, the main contract 2602 of Shanghai nickel opened at 120,280 yuan/ton and closed at 123,440 yuan/ton, a 3.92% change from the previous trading day's close. The trading volume was 386,986 (+190,610) lots, and the open interest was 134,454 (+21,822) lots. It showed a strong and volatile trend with significant capital inflow, driven by the expectation of Indonesian quota contraction and external market, but restricted by high inventory and differences between long and short positions. The continuous weakening of the US dollar increased the attractiveness of commodities, while weak consumption and high inventory limited the rebound strength [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The trading atmosphere in the nickel ore market was fair, and prices remained stable overall. In China's southern region, 1.3% nickel ore was traded at CIF $39.5. In the Philippines, the 1.3% nickel ore tender at the northern Benguet mine was settled at FOB $33.5, with a price increase. Considering rainfall, the shipping efficiency was fair. Downstream iron plants were still in losses, and their attitude of pressing prices for raw material nickel ore purchases might ease. In Indonesia, the second - phase domestic trade benchmark price in December dropped by $0.11 - $0.18 per wet ton, and the current mainstream premium was +25, with a premium range of +25 - 26, expected to remain flat [1]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market was 133,800 yuan/ton, up 5,400 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. Nickel prices rose significantly, and spot trading was weak. The spot premiums of refined nickel brands decreased slightly. The premium of Jinchuan nickel changed by - 150 yuan/ton to 6,750 yuan/ton, the premium of imported nickel remained unchanged at 400 yuan/ton, and the premium of nickel beans was 2,450 yuan/ton. The previous trading day's Shanghai nickel warehouse receipt volume was 38,621 (-301) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 254,604 (+216) tons [2]. Strategy - **Unilateral**: Mainly conduct range operations [4]. - **Inter - delivery**: None [4]. - **Inter - variety**: None [4]. - **Futures - spot**: None [4]. - **Options**: None [4]. Stainless - Steel Variety Market Analysis - **Futures**: On December 24, 2025, the stainless - steel main contract 2602 opened at 12,920 yuan/ton and closed at 12,905 yuan/ton. The trading volume was 168,990 (-497) lots, and the open interest was 100,771 (-4,171) lots. It showed a mild rebound with increasing volume and price, and the fluctuation was relatively stable, consistent with the strong continuation of Shanghai nickel's sharp rise the previous day [4]. - **Spot**: The futures market weakened, and downstream purchasing enthusiasm was low, mainly purchasing on - demand. Inventory depletion slowed down. The stainless - steel price in the Wuxi market was 13,050 (+75) yuan/ton, and in the Foshan market, it was 13,025 (+75) yuan/ton. The 304/2B premium was 100 - 350 yuan/ton. The ex - factory tax - included average price of high - nickel pig iron changed by 4.00 yuan/nickel point to 893.0 yuan/nickel point [4][5]. Strategy - **Unilateral**: Buy on dips [6]. - **Inter - delivery**: None [6]. - **Inter - variety**: None [6]. - **Futures - spot**: None [6]. - **Options**: None [6].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights a significant rebound in nickel prices due to Indonesia's plans to drastically cut nickel ore supply quotas and potential adjustments to mineral pricing rules, with LME nickel reaching a peak of $15,980 per ton and Shanghai nickel hitting 130,880 yuan per ton, both marking an 8-month high [1][2] - Indonesia's nickel mining policy has reignited bullish sentiment in the nickel market, with the Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) announcing a target of approximately 250 million tons for nickel ore production in 2026, a substantial decrease from the 379 million tons set for 2025, aimed at preventing further price declines [1][2] - The tightening of nickel ore quotas is expected to have a significant impact on the nickel market balance for 2026, potentially reducing surplus expectations and supporting price recovery, especially if cobalt is treated as an independent commodity subject to royalties [2][3] Group 2 - Despite the short-term surge in nickel prices, the fundamental oversupply situation remains unchanged, with high inventories and weak demand persisting, as evidenced by LME nickel stocks reaching 253,000 tons and domestic refined nickel inventories at 59,000 tons [3][4] - The current market dynamics show a discrepancy between the strong price performance and the underlying oversupply, making the implementation of Indonesia's policies a critical factor for future price movements [4] - Analysts suggest that while the sentiment is positive and prices may continue to rise due to cost expectations, the fundamental oversupply remains a clear risk, and market participants should be cautious of potential shifts in sentiment [4]

Core Viewpoint - Nickel prices have rebounded significantly, reaching a two-month high, primarily driven by supply tightening expectations from Indonesia [6][7]. Group 1: Nickel Price Movement - On the previous trading day, the main nickel contract opened at 116,600 CNY/ton and closed at 121,360 CNY/ton, marking a 4.55% increase [6]. - Nickel prices have risen sharply over two consecutive trading days [6]. Group 2: Supply Factors - The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) announced that the Indonesian government proposed a 34% reduction in next year's production, lowering it to 250 million tons [6]. - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) plans to revise the benchmark pricing formula for nickel ore in early 2026, which may lead to increased costs for associated minerals like cobalt [6]. Group 3: Market Conditions - The recent news has strengthened expectations for supply contraction and cost increases, contributing to the strong rebound in nickel prices [6]. - However, the accuracy of these policies remains uncertain as they have not been officially announced by the Indonesian government, and there is potential for modifications [7]. - Additionally, downstream stainless steel consumption is currently in a low season, and nickel inventories in Shanghai continue to rise, raising questions about the sustainability of the price rebound [7].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the content. 2. Core Views of the Report - For nickel, the high inventory restricts the rebound strength of nickel prices. Under the situation of weak supply and demand, it is expected that the production of pure nickel will significantly decline from November to December. The price is expected to fluctuate weakly, and the strategy is to sell on rebounds and sell out - of - the - money call options at resistance levels [6]. - For stainless steel, the overall trading atmosphere is still weak, with terminal demand in the off - season. The price is under pressure, and the cost is moving down. The strategy is to sell on rebounds for single - side trading and to wait and see for arbitrage [9]. 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Chapter 1: Spread Tracking and Inventory - **Nickel Inventory**: Global visible nickel inventory is at a high level, reaching 308,000 tons. LME inventory is 254,000 tons, increasing by 2,082 tons this week. SHFE inventory is 39,800 tons, and SMM's six - region social inventory is 52,000 tons, decreasing by 855 tons month - on - month [12]. - **Stainless Steel Inventory**: Social inventory of stainless steel is higher than the same period [17]. 3.2 Chapter 2: Fundamental Analysis 3.2.1 Supply and Demand of Refined Nickel - **Supply**: From January to October 2025, the cumulative output of refined nickel increased by 23% year - on - year to 335,500 tons. The net import was 47,200 tons, compared with a net export of 23,200 tons in the same period last year. In October, it turned to net export. The supply from January to October was 383,000 tons, with a cumulative year - on - year increase of 54%. It is expected that the total output in November will remain high at 35,200 tons, a slight decrease of 700 tons month - on - month [25]. - **Demand**: From January to October, the cumulative consumption of pure nickel increased by 2% year - on - year to 243,000 tons. The nickel consumption for electroplating increased month - on - month in line with the peak - season characteristics, but the off - season will be more obvious. In October, the downstream demand for nickel fell below the 50 boom - bust line [29]. 3.2.2 Stainless Steel Raw Materials - **Nickel Ore**: The price of nickel ore is stable but under great pressure. The willingness of Philippine nickel mines to hold prices is strong, but the high - nickel iron market has limited ability to absorb nickel ore, showing a situation of weak supply and demand. The premium of domestic - trade nickel ore in November was flat month - on - month [31]. - **NPI**: The supply of NPI increased, and the price was under pressure. The production of China + Indonesia's NPI from January to October showed an overall upward trend, and the inventory of NPI in China also increased [34][36]. - **Chromium Series**: The price of chromium series weakened. The price of chrome ore has been declining continuously. The long - term contract purchase price of high - carbon ferrochrome by Tsingshan Group in December 2025 decreased month - on - month [38]. - **Cost Inversion of Cold - Rolled Products**: The prices of various raw materials such as nickel ore, high - nickel iron, and chromium series showed a downward trend from November 17th to 21st [43]. 3.2.3 Stainless Steel Supply and Demand - **Supply**: From January to October, the combined stainless - steel crude - steel output of China and Indonesia increased by 5% year - on - year. In November, the output decreased month - on - month. From January to October 2025, China's stainless - steel imports decreased by 21% year - on - year, exports remained flat year - on - year, and net exports increased by 14% year - on - year [52]. - **Demand**: The shipbuilding industry has the highest growth rate and provides support. The cumulative year - on - year growth of shipbuilding plate output from January to September reached 28%, while the growth rates of other terminal fields are not optimistic [54]. 3.2.4 New Energy Vehicles - **Domestic Market**: In October, the sales of new - energy vehicles were 1.715 million, a year - on - year increase of 20%. From January to October, the sales were 12.911 million, a year - on - year increase of 32%. The power cell production also increased. However, the off - season is coming, and a decline in the power sector is likely [61]. - **Global Market**: From January to September 2025, global new - energy vehicle sales increased by 23.5% year - on - year. US sales increased by 11.4% year - on - year, and European sales increased by 28.5% year - on - year. China's new - energy vehicle exports from January to October increased by 87% year - on - year [68]. 3.2.5 Sulfuric Acid Nickel Market - **Production**: From January to October, the cumulative output of nickel sulfate decreased by 9.9% year - on - year to 282,000 tons. The output of ternary precursors decreased by 15% year - on - year to 595,000 tons, and the output of ternary cathode materials increased by 15% year - on - year to 654,000 tons [70]. - **Raw Materials**: The output of Indonesian MHP from January to October increased by 50% year - on - year to 366,000 tons, and the output of high - grade nickel matte decreased by 31% year - on - year to 160,000 tons. The increase in sulfur prices has raised the cost of MHP, but the good demand for nickel sulfate has stimulated the recovery of intermediate product output [74]. 3.2.6 Pure Nickel Market - There is a significant domestic surplus of pure nickel due to a large increase in imports [75].

Group 1 - A major nickel smelter in Indonesia, controlled by Chinese investors, is reducing production due to its tailings storage nearing capacity, highlighting the industry's waste management challenges [1] - The production cut by PT QMB New Energy Materials Co. Ltd. is expected to last at least two weeks, with the company being backed by investors such as GEM Co. and Tsingshan Holding Group [1] - The Morowali Industrial Park, where the smelter is located, is Indonesia's largest nickel industrial base, and the facility's tailings storage is close to saturation while new storage approvals are still pending [1] Group 2 - Regulatory scrutiny of the nickel industry in Indonesia is increasing, driven by environmental concerns related to waste management [2] - Experts question the long-term safety and sustainability of the high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) process in Indonesia, especially after a fatal landslide incident earlier this year [2] Group 3 - High-pressure acid leaching producers are facing rising sulfur procurement costs, which is essential for sulfuric acid production [3] - Despite cost pressures, demand for nickel-cobalt hydroxide products has strengthened this year, largely due to cobalt export controls in the Democratic Republic of Congo [3] Group 4 - Nickel has underperformed in a year where base metals are generally weak, with oversupply putting continuous pressure on prices and squeezing industry profitability [4] - A report from Deutsche Bank indicates that the market is experiencing oversupply due to a surge in production, particularly from Indonesia, with global primary nickel production expected to grow by 8% this year [4] - There is potential for a significant price rebound if Indonesia implements effective production controls, as stricter regulations could lead to rapid price increases similar to recent trends in other base metals [4]

Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang Xinxin Mining (03833) has experienced a decline of over 17%, yet its year-to-date increase remains above 2.8 times [1] Company Summary - As of the latest report, Xinjiang Xinxin Mining's stock price dropped by 17.38%, trading at 2.9 HKD, with a transaction volume of 154 million HKD [1] - The company announced plans to issue A-shares and list on a Chinese stock exchange to promote sustainable growth in revenue and shareholder returns [1] - Xinjiang Xinxin Mining fully owns four nickel-copper mines: Kalatongke, Huangshan East, Huangshan, and Xiangshan, as well as two vanadium mines: Xianghe Street and Mujiahe, and a fluorite mine: Kalchaer [1] Industry Summary - According to Jianyin International, recent changes in Indonesia's RKAB regulations and increased mining supervision, along with the declaration of force majeure at the world's second-largest copper mine, have raised global metal supply concerns [1] - Nickel prices surged past 124,000 due to these factors, but the fundamental oversupply of primary nickel has not changed significantly, indicating that nickel prices may face upward pressure [1]

Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang Xinxin Mining (03833) has experienced a decline of over 17%, yet its year-to-date increase remains above 2.8 times [1] Company Summary - Xinjiang Xinxin Mining announced plans to issue A-shares and list on a Chinese stock exchange to promote sustainable growth in revenue and shareholder returns [1] - The company fully owns four nickel-copper mines: Kalatongke, Huangshan East, Huangshan, and Xiangshan, as well as two vanadium mines: Xianghe Street and Mujia River, and a fluorite mine: Kalchaer [1] Industry Summary - According to Jianyin International, recent changes in Indonesia's RKAB regulations and increased mining supervision, along with the declaration of force majeure at the world's second-largest copper mine, have raised global metal supply concerns [1] - Nickel prices surged past 124,000 due to these factors, but the fundamental oversupply of primary nickel has not changed significantly, indicating that nickel prices may face upward pressure [1]

Core Viewpoint - The short-term decline of the US dollar index indicates reduced macro pressure on the market, while the fundamentals for nickel remain tight due to low exchange inventories and healthy primary nickel market supply. The improvement in alloy and stainless steel consumption supports a favorable nickel price outlook in the short term, but medium-term supply pressures are expected to limit the upside potential of nickel prices [1]. Nickel Ore Market - The average CIF price for nickel ore with 1.5% content is $50 per wet ton, down $2 from the previous week, indicating a continued slowdown in the decline of nickel ore supply and demand [3]. - The average price for high-nickel pig iron (8-12%) was 1107.5 yuan per nickel point, up 55 yuan from the previous week, reflecting a rising willingness among iron mills to maintain prices and an improving sentiment in the downstream stainless steel market [3]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - The recent closure of the import window, tight Russian nickel premiums, and the inversion of JinChuan nickel prices indicate a healthy supply in the primary nickel market, despite low exchange inventories [4]. - Reports suggest that stainless steel mills are concentrating their purchases, leading to an increase in transaction prices, which enhances market confidence [4]. - The consumption of alloys has shown improvement, supporting a rebound in nickel prices. However, if nickel prices continue to rise significantly, the profitability of MHP or sulfate nickel production may lead to accelerated production of electrolytic nickel, potentially resulting in medium-term supply surplus pressures on nickel prices [4].