1. Report Industry Investment Rating - No industry investment rating information is provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The price of nickel ore is stable. The weekly inventory of stainless steel decreased slightly, but the supply increased, and the inventory pressure may become apparent. With the rising price of raw materials, the cost support for stainless steel has strengthened. In the new energy sector, the demand for ternary materials is gradually increasing, and the willingness of downstream enterprises to stock up may increase. The supply of raw materials is relatively tight, and the price of nickel sulfate may continue to rise. The weekly inventory of primary nickel decreased, and the cumulative consumption in China from January to July increased by nearly 50% year - on - year. Previously, the nickel price basically fluctuated within a range. The weekly nickel price rebounded to the center of the range. With the marginal improvement of nickel iron and the new energy sector, the nickel price may still fluctuate strongly [4]. 3. Summary According to the Directory 3.1 Price - Monthly prices: The price of Shanghai nickel remained flat, while LME nickel rose 2.1%. The prices of nickel iron and nickel sulfate both increased. The spot price of stainless steel rose this month, and the spot premium increased by 200 yuan/ton to 395 yuan/ton [6][60]. 3.2 Inventory - For nickel: The LME inventory decreased by 54 tons to 209,544 tons within the week; the Shanghai nickel inventory decreased by 108 tons to 21,905 tons; the social inventory decreased by 1,402 tons to 39,470 tons; and the bonded area inventory remained at 4,700 tons. - For stainless steel: The total social inventory of 89 warehouses in the national mainstream stainless - steel market decreased by 0.88 tons to 108.3 tons week - on - week, among which the 300 - series inventory decreased by 0.4 tons to 65.4 tons [4][66]. 3.3 Supply - **Nickel - related supply**: In July 2025, China's apparent consumption of refined nickel was 29,900 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 5.98% and a year - on - year increase of 14.89%. From January to July 2025, the cumulative apparent consumption of domestic refined nickel was 229,500 tons, a year - on - year increase of 46.14%. The supply of MHP was tight, the coefficient increased significantly, the cost of nickel sulfate strengthened, the demand increased, and the price rose. The supply of stainless - steel is expected to increase month - on - month [4][21]. - **Stainless - steel supply**: The domestic supply of stainless steel is expected to increase month - on - month, and the overseas supply, represented by Indonesia, is also shown through relevant capacity and output data [73][76]. 3.4 Demand - **Nickel demand in different sectors**: - **Stainless steel**: The theoretical profit decreased due to the rising price of raw materials and the falling price of finished products. - **New energy**: The weekly output of ternary materials increased by 102 tons to 16,667 tons, and the inventory increased by 321 tons to 17,617 tons. The weekly output of power cells increased by 5% to 23.86 GWh, among which lithium - iron phosphate cells increased by 7% to 18.03 GWh, and ternary cells increased by 2% to 6.96 GWh. From August 1 - 24, the retail sales of new - energy passenger vehicles in China reached 727,000, a year - on - year increase of 6% and a month - on - month increase of 7%. The wholesale volume was 711,000, a year - on - year increase of 11% and a month - on - month increase of 3% [4]. - **Stainless - steel consumption**: It is related to various industries such as real estate, home appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines), automobiles, ships, and power - generation equipment. For example, the real - estate data shows the current situation of investment, construction, and sales, which affects the demand for stainless steel [83][84]. 3.5 Supply - Demand Balance - The supply - demand balance of primary nickel and nickel sulfate is presented through relevant charts, and the supply - demand balance of stainless steel is also shown through a balance sheet [56][92].

2025 年 9 月 1 日 一、 投资咨询业务资格 沪证监许可【2015】84 号 李婷 021-68555105 li.t@jyqh.com.cn 从业资格号：F0297587 投资咨询号：Z0011509 黄蕾 huang.lei@jyqh.com.cn 从业资格号：F0307990 投资咨询号：Z0011692 高慧 gao.h@jyqh.com.cn 从业资格号：F03099478 投资咨询号：Z0017785 王工建 镍价区间震荡 警惕技术性回撤 核心观点及策略 wang.gj@jyqh.com.cn 从业资格号：F3084165 投资咨询号：Z0016301 赵凯熙 zhao.kx@jygh.com. cn 从业资格号：F03112296 投资咨询号：20021040 敬请参阅最后一页免责声明 1 / 8 镍周报 ⚫ 宏观面，报告期内，特朗普罢免美联储理事库克，并表示降 息派将在联储获得多数席位，市场担心联储独立性缺失。但 现阶段联储的降息预期与市场基本相符，并未出现明显加速 征兆，商品价格反响有限。通胀数据符合预期，美联储释放 鸽派信号，沃勒讲话提振降息预期。 ⚫ 基本面：印尼能矿部早期通过了 ...

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating No industry investment rating is provided in the report. 2. Core Views - The supply surplus pattern of nickel remains unchanged, and with the cost approaching, nickel prices are expected to fluctuate in the short - term, being easily affected by macro news [3]. - For stainless steel, although the demand in the traditional peak season has not shown explosive growth, the social inventory has decreased for 7 consecutive weeks. Affected by the increasing expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut and rising raw material prices, the price may stop falling and rebound [4]. 3. Market Analysis Nickel - **Futures**: On August 28, 2025, the main contract of Shanghai nickel 2510 opened at 121,220 yuan/ton and closed at 120,990 yuan/ton, down 0.69% from the previous trading day. It fluctuated weakly around the 20 - day moving average, with a daily fluctuation range of 930 yuan/ton, 40% smaller than the previous day. Affected by the 0.26% decline of LME Nickel 3 to $15,240/ton, Shanghai nickel followed the decline, but the decline was smaller than that of the external market [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The nickel ore market is mainly in a wait - and - see state, and the price remains stable. In September, 1.3% nickel ore resources in China and Indonesia CIF42 have completed transactions. The mine - end quotation in the Philippines remains firm. The new transaction price of downstream nickel iron is 950 yuan/nickel (including tax at the hatch bottom), and the bullish sentiment is strengthening. The domestic trade benchmark price of nickel ore in Indonesia in September (Phase I) is expected to drop by $0.2 - 0.3, and the premium is expected to remain at +24. The current supply of nickel ore is relatively loose, and Indonesian iron plants mostly stock up as needed [1]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market is 122,900 yuan/ton, down 1,600 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. The spot market transaction of refined nickel has improved, and the premium of each brand of refined nickel has been slightly adjusted down. The previous trading day's Shanghai nickel warehouse receipt volume was 22,013 (- 12.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 209,676 (456) tons [2]. Stainless Steel - **Futures**: On August 28, 2025, the main contract of stainless steel 2510 opened at 12,825 yuan/ton and closed at 12,850 yuan/ton, down 0.19%. It showed the characteristics of falling price, shrinking volume, and a stalemate between long and short positions. The daily fluctuation range was only 105 yuan/ton, 30% smaller than the previous day. The trading volume decreased by about 13,000 lots, and the open interest decreased by 1,188 lots, indicating a decline in market activity [3]. - **Spot**: As the futures market is still in the bottom - building process, the spot market is also weakening, and the spot quotation has been adjusted down. However, the downstream is in a wait - and - see state, and the transaction situation has not improved. The stainless steel price in the Wuxi market is 13,025 yuan/ton, and in the Foshan market is also 13,025 yuan/ton. The premium of 304/2B is 320 - 470 yuan/ton [3]. 4. Strategy Nickel - **Supply - demand situation**: The supply surplus pattern remains unchanged, and the cost is approaching. In the short term, nickel prices are mainly in a fluctuating market and are easily affected by macro news. - **Trading strategy**: For unilateral trading, it is mainly range - bound operation; there are no strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [3]. Stainless Steel - **Supply - demand situation**: Although the demand in the traditional peak season has not shown explosive growth, the social inventory has decreased for 7 consecutive weeks. Affected by the increasing expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut and rising raw material prices, the price may stop falling and rebound. - **Trading strategy**: For unilateral trading, it is mainly range - bound operation; there are no strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [4].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided Core Viewpoints of the Report - On August 28, the main contract of Shanghai nickel fluctuated at a low level, with the trading volume decreasing and the open interest decreasing. The spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium narrowed. The pure nickel fundamentals are loose, and the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations are volatile. It is expected that the nickel price will fluctuate within a range. It is recommended to wait and see [2]. - On August 27, the main contract of stainless steel fluctuated within a range, with the trading volume increasing and the open interest decreasing. The spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium narrowed. Currently, the impact of macro - sentiment is relatively large. Although the fundamentals are loose, it takes time for the price to return to the fundamentals and there is cost support. It is expected that the price will still fluctuate with the macro - environment. It is recommended to wait and see [2]. Summary by Related Content Nickel Market - **Price and Trading Volume**: On August 28, the Shanghai nickel main contract had a low - level oscillation. The trading volume was 129,831 lots (- 67,021), and the open interest was 92,205 lots (- 6,698). LME nickel rose 1.12%. The spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium decreased [2]. - **Supply Side**: Nickel ore prices remained flat. Last week, the arrival volume of nickel ore increased, and port inventories were replenished. The loss of nickel - iron plants narrowed. In August, domestic production decreased, while production in Indonesia increased, leading to nickel - iron accumulation. In August, domestic electrolytic nickel production increased, and export profits decreased [2]. - **Demand Side**: Ternary material production increased; stainless - steel plant production increased; alloy and electroplating demand remained stable [2]. - **Inventory**: SHFE inventory decreased, LME inventory increased, social inventory decreased, and bonded - area inventory remained unchanged [2]. Stainless Steel Market - **Price and Trading Volume**: On August 27, the stainless - steel main contract oscillated within a range. The trading volume was 128,526 lots (+ 25,799), and the open interest was 12,804 lots (- 5,355). The spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium decreased [2]. - **Supply Side**: In August, stainless - steel production increased [2]. - **Demand Side**: Terminal demand was weak [2]. - **Cost**: High - nickel pig iron prices rose, and high - carbon ferrochrome prices rose [2]. - **Inventory**: SHFE inventory decreased, and last week, the 300 - series social inventory was 62,600 tons (+ 8,500) [2]. Industry News - On August 27, at the "Stakeholder Engagement in the Nickel Industry's Decarbonization Roadmap" FGD held by the Indonesian Metal and Mining Entrepreneurs Association, illegal mining was the core focus. The Indonesian Nickel Mining Association pointed out that there are still loopholes in relevant regulations that need to be coordinated with ESG standards of some institutions [2].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating No information provided in the given content. 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Short - term nickel prices will mainly show a volatile trend, with an unchanged oversupply pattern and approaching lower costs, being more affected by macro - sentiment. Stainless steel prices may stop falling and rebound in the short term, although the demand in the traditional peak season has not shown explosive growth, and the social inventory of stainless steel has decreased for 7 consecutive times, also influenced by factors such as the expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut and rising raw material prices [1][3][4]. 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Nickel Variety Market Analysis - **Futures**: On August 27, 2025, the main contract 2510 of Shanghai nickel opened at 120,620 yuan/ton and closed at 121,760 yuan/ton, a change of 1.17% from the previous trading day's close. The trading volume was 196,852 lots, and the open interest was 98,903 lots, a daily change of - 10,364. Overnight, LME nickel prices rose 2.04% to $15,280/ton. Affected by the external market, the main contract of Shanghai nickel fluctuated narrowly between 120,620 - 121,690 yuan/ton and closed at 121,690 yuan/ton, up 1,340 yuan/ton or 1.11%. During the day session, it continued to rise, reaching a high of 122,690 yuan/ton, a two - week high. However, the open interest decreased by about 9.5% [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The trading atmosphere in the nickel ore market was fair, and prices remained stable. 1.3% nickel ore resources in China and Indonesia CIF42 had transactions. The price of 0.9% low - aluminum nickel ore in China increased slightly due to resource shortages. In the Philippines, mine quotations were firm, and the impact of rainfall on shipping efficiency was small. Downstream nickel - iron had new transactions, but iron plants were still cautious and price - pressing in nickel ore procurement. In Indonesia, the September (Phase 1) domestic trade benchmark price of nickel ore was expected to fall by $0.2 - 0.3, and the current mainstream premium remained at + 24, with the September (Phase 1) premium likely to remain unchanged [2]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market was 124,500 yuan/ton, up 1,700 yuan/ton from the previous day. Spot trading of refined nickel was a bit light. The premium of Jinchuan nickel changed by - 100 yuan/ton to 2,500 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 warrant volume was 22,025 (- 61.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 209,220 (72) tons [2]. Strategy - Short - term nickel price strategy: mainly range - bound operation for single - side trading; no operations for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [3]. Stainless Steel Variety Market Analysis - **Futures**: On August 27, 2025, the main contract 2510 of stainless steel opened and closed at 12,850 yuan/ton. The trading volume was 128,526 lots, and the open interest was 128,，304 lots, a daily change of - 5,355. Overnight, boosted by the expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut and a weakening dollar, the main contract quickly rose to 12,915 yuan/ton after opening at 12,850 yuan/ton, then fluctuated narrowly around 12,870. During the day session, it was driven up slightly by Shanghai nickel prices but then fell back due to the weak spot market, closing at 12,850 yuan/ton, down 15 yuan/ton or 0.12% [3]. - **Spot**: The trading heat in the spot market rebounded slightly as the futures market stabilized. Traders' quotations were still cautious as downstream acceptance of high prices was low despite approaching the "Golden September and Silver October" peak season. The stainless steel price in Wuxi and Foshan markets was 13,125 yuan/ton, and the 304/2B premium was 330 - 480 yuan/ton. The ex - factory tax - included average price of high - nickel pig iron changed by 6.00 yuan/nickel point to 940.5 yuan/nickel point [4]. Strategy - Short - term stainless steel price strategy: mainly range - bound operation for single - side trading; no operations for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [3][4].

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views - For the nickel variety, the short - term nickel price will mainly show a volatile trend, being more affected by macro - sentiment. However, the supply surplus pattern remains unchanged, and the upside space is limited [3]. - For the stainless - steel variety, approaching the consumption peak season, trading has warmed up, but the fundamentals have not undergone a fundamental change. It is expected that the stainless - steel price will continue to fluctuate in the near future [4]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs Nickel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 26, 2025, the main contract 2510 of Shanghai nickel opened at 120,310 yuan/ton and closed at 120,370 yuan/ton, a change of 0.08% from the previous trading day's closing. The trading volume was 88,775 lots, and the open interest was 109,267 lots. The night session continued the previous day's upward trend, with high - level narrow - range fluctuations and a slight increase at the end. The day session also fluctuated, with the highest at 120,720 yuan/ton and the lowest at 120,120 yuan/ton, and the whole - day amplitude was only 0.5%. Due to the UK bank holiday, LME nickel was closed, and domestic funds dominated the market with relatively stable risk - aversion sentiment [1]. - **Nickel Ore**: The trading atmosphere in the nickel - ore market was fair, and the prices were generally stable. A 1.3% nickel ore in September had CIF transactions in China and Indonesia at 42. The price of 0.9% low - aluminum nickel ore in China increased slightly due to resource shortages. In the Philippines, mining companies' quotes were firm, and rainfall had little impact on shipping efficiency. New nickel - iron orders were concluded, and iron - plant confidence recovered slightly, but they still held a cautious and price - pressing attitude when purchasing nickel ore. In Indonesia, the domestic trade benchmark price of nickel ore in September (Phase 1) is expected to drop by 0.2 - 0.3 dollars; the current mainstream domestic trade premium of +24 remains unchanged, and the premium in September (Phase 1) is expected to remain the same [1]. - **Spot**: Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market was 122,800 yuan/ton, up 200 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. The spot trading of refined nickel was average, and the spot premiums and discounts of various brands of refined nickel remained stable. Among them, the premium of Jinchuan nickel changed by - 50 yuan/ton to 2,600 yuan/ton, the premium of imported nickel changed by 0 yuan/ton to 400 yuan/ton, and the premium of nickel beans was 2,450 yuan/ton. The previous trading day's Shanghai nickel warehouse receipts were 22,086 (- 206.0) tons, and the LME nickel inventory was 209,148 (- 600) tons [2]. - **Strategy** - Short - term nickel price mainly shows a volatile trend. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side, and there are no strategies for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options [3]. Stainless - Steel Variety - **Market Analysis** - **Futures**: On August 26, 2025, the main contract 2510 of stainless steel opened at 12,860 yuan/ton and closed at 12,840 yuan/ton. The trading volume was 102,727 lots, and the open interest was 133,659 lots. The night session was boosted by macro - sentiment, continued the previous day's rebound, fluctuated narrowly around 12,850 yuan/ton, and closed slightly higher. In the day session, the bulls took profit after being blocked at the 12,900 yuan/ton mark, and the price dropped to around 12,840 yuan/ton [3]. - **Spot**: Driven by the rebound of the futures market, the sentiment of spot price quotations warmed up, market inquiries became more active, and the trading situation improved. Approaching the traditional peak seasons of "Golden September and Silver October", coupled with the increase in the tender prices of Qingshan's nickel - iron and chrome - iron, market confidence gradually recovered, and the stainless - steel price generally showed a strong - running pattern. The stainless - steel price in the Wuxi market was 13,125 yuan/ton, and in the Foshan market was also 13,125 yuan/ton. The premium and discount of 304/2B were 310 to 460 yuan/ton. According to SMM data, the average ex - factory tax - included price of high - nickel pig iron changed by 5.00 yuan/nickel point to 934.5 yuan/nickel point the previous day [3]. - **Strategy** - Approaching the consumption peak season, the stainless - steel price is expected to continue to fluctuate. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side, and there are no strategies for cross - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options [4].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report 2. Core View of the Report - Long - term supply and demand are both increasing, the surplus pattern remains unchanged. The upside of nickel prices is limited, while the downside is supported by costs. Maintain a sideways view on Shanghai nickel, and consider going long when the price retraces to the cost line during the peak seasons. For stainless steel, industry demand remains weak, and steel enterprises adjust short - term changes through production and inventory. The pattern of wide - range sideways movement at the bottom is hard to change [67][68] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1行情回顾 - Not elaborated in the report 3.2全球供需平衡 - From 2020 to 2025E, global primary nickel supply and demand are both increasing. In 2025E, primary nickel supply is expected to be 3690000 tons, and demand is expected to be 3580000 tons, showing a supply - surplus situation [3] 3.3新能源产业链 3.3.1中国新能源汽车产销数据 - In July 2025, new - energy vehicle production and sales were 1.243 million and 1.262 million respectively, with year - on - year growth of 26.3% and 27.4%. From January to July 2025, cumulative production and sales were 8.232 million and 8.22 million respectively, with year - on - year growth of 39.2% and 38.5% [9][10] 3.3.2动力电池 - In July 2025, the total production of power and other batteries was 133.8GWh, with a month - on - month increase of 3.6% and a year - on - year increase of 44.3%. Sales were 127.2GWh, with a month - on - month decrease of 3.2% and a year - on - year increase of 47.8%. The installed capacity of power batteries was 55.9GWh, with a month - on - month decrease of 4.0% and a year - on - year increase of 34.3% [14] 3.3.3硫酸镍价格稳中有升 - In July 2025, China's nickel sulfate physical output was 194700 tons, and metal output was 42800 tons. In August 2025, it is expected to be 43000 metal tons, with a month - on - month increase of 0.28%. Battery - grade nickel sulfate is priced at 27200 yuan/ton, up 200 yuan/ton from last week, and electroplating - grade nickel sulfate is priced at 28250 yuan/ton, unchanged from last week [17] 3.4不锈钢产业链 3.4.1镍矿 - Nickel ore prices and freight rates remained unchanged from last week. On August 21, 2025, the total nickel ore inventory at 14 ports in China was 12.0585 million wet tons, a 10.11% increase. In July 2025, nickel ore imports were 5005800 tons, with a month - on - month increase of 15.16% and a year - on - year increase of 43.63% [20][23] 3.4.2镍铁 - Nickel iron prices were stable with a slight increase. In July 2025, China's nickel pig iron actual output was 22900 tons of metal, with a month - on - month decrease of 1.69% and a year - on - year decrease of 10.63%. In July 2025, China's nickel iron imports were 836000 tons, with a month - on - month decrease of 19.7% and a year - on - year increase of 1.8% [26][29][32] 3.4.3不锈钢 - The price of 304 stainless steel decreased by 37.5 yuan/ton on average in four regions this week. In July, stainless steel crude steel output was 3.2108 million tons. On August 22, the national stainless steel inventory was 1.0917 million tons, a 1.28 - million - ton increase [40][45][48] 3.5纯镍市场 3.5.1电解镍产量 - In July 2025, China's refined nickel output was 36151 tons, with a month - on - month increase of 4.74% and a year - on - year increase of 24.57%. In August 2025, it is estimated to be 37760 tons, with a month - on - month increase of 4.45% and a year - on - year increase of 33.38% [56] 3.5.2精炼镍进出口量 - In July 2025, China's refined nickel imports were 38164.223 tons, with a month - on - month increase of 124.36% and a year - on - year increase of 798.94%. Exports were 15545.572 tons, with a month - on - month increase of 53.27% and a year - on - year increase of 3.43% [59] 3.5.3库存情况 - LME inventory decreased by 1914 tons to 209748 tons. SHFE inventory decreased by 19 tons to 26943 tons. The total social inventory of Shanghai nickel was 39937 tons, a 1349 - ton decrease from last week [62]

Group 1 - Nickel prices showed a weak fluctuation on Thursday, with SMM 1 nickel quoted at 121,100 CNY/ton, an increase of 200 CNY/ton; Jinchuan nickel at 122,350 CNY/ton, up by 250 CNY/ton; and electrolytic nickel at 119,950 CNY/ton, rising by 150 CNY/ton [1] - On August 22, the Shanghai nickel futures main contract closed at 119,610 CNY/ton, with a decline of 0.48%, reaching a high of 120,080 CNY/ton and a low of 119,230 CNY/ton, with a trading volume of 111,254 lots [2] - The London Metal Exchange (LME) reported nickel registered warrants at 201,750 tons and canceled warrants at 7,998 tons, with total nickel inventory increasing by 150 tons to 209,748 tons [3] Group 2 - The Shanghai Futures Exchange reported nickel warehouse receipts at 22,588 tons, an increase of 29 tons compared to the previous trading day [4] - According to Dongwu Futures research, the Indonesian Nickel Mining Association announced that the nickel ore RKAB approval quota reached 364 million tons, exceeding market expectations, indicating a shift from a tight to a loose nickel ore supply situation [5] - The recent decline in nickel ore prices has weakened support for downstream industries, with high supply and inventory putting overall pressure on nickel prices [5]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not mentioned in the provided content 2. Core Viewpoints - For nickel, on August 21, the main contract of Shanghai nickel trended downward, with increased trading volume and open interest. The spot market had weak transactions, and the basis premium widened. The supply side showed stable nickel ore prices, reduced nickel ore arrivals last week, and inventory at ports. Nickel iron plants' losses narrowed, with domestic production scheduled to decline in August and Indonesian production increasing. Domestic electrolytic nickel production was expected to increase in August, and export profits shrank. On the demand side, ternary material production increased, stainless - steel plants' production schedules rose, and alloy and electroplating demands were stable. Inventory increased in the SHFE, LME, and social inventory, while remaining flat in the bonded area. With a loose fundamental situation for pure nickel and the Fed's interest - rate cut expectations being inconsistent, nickel prices were expected to fluctuate within a range, and it was recommended to wait and see [2]. - For stainless steel, on August 21, the main contract of stainless steel trended downward, with decreased trading volume and increased open interest. The spot market had weak transactions, and the basis premium widened. Inventory at the SHFE decreased, and the social inventory of 300 - series stainless steel last week was 617,500 tons (a decrease of 11,600 tons). In terms of supply, stainless - steel production schedules increased in August. On the demand side, terminal demand was weak. At the cost end, the price of high - nickel pig iron rose, while the price of high - carbon ferrochrome remained stable. Currently, macro - sentiment had a significant impact. Although the fundamentals were loose, it would take time for prices to return to the fundamentals, and there was cost support. Therefore, prices were expected to fluctuate following macro - factors, and it was recommended to wait and see [2]. 3. Summary of Related Data Nickel Futures - On August 21, the closing price of the near - month contract of Shanghai nickel was 119,700 yuan/ton, a decrease of 230 yuan compared to the previous day. The trading volume was 90,715 lots (+27,039), and the open interest was 102,385 lots (+51,529). The LME 3 - month nickel official price decreased by 0.45%. The basis (spot - to - futures) was 1,270 yuan, an increase of 2150 yuan compared to the previous day [2]. - The prices of nickel ore, including Philippine laterite nickel ore of different grades, remained stable. The average price of SMM 1 electrolytic nickel was 121,100 yuan/ton [2]. Stainless - Steel Futures - On August 21, the closing price of the near - month contract of Shanghai stainless steel was 12,730 yuan/ton, a decrease of 25 yuan compared to the previous day. The trading volume was 99,736 lots (-50,000), and the open interest was 138,810 lots (+3,046). The basis (spot - to - futures) was 880 yuan, an increase of 25 yuan compared to the previous day [2]. - The prices of 304 - series and 316 - series stainless - steel products in the spot market were mostly stable, with some minor changes in inventory. The social inventory of 300 - series stainless steel last week was 617,500 tons, a decrease of 11,600 tons [2]. Inventory - The inventory of Shanghai nickel increased in the SHFE, LME, and social inventory, while remaining flat in the bonded area. The inventory of stainless steel at the SHFE decreased, and the social inventory of 300 - series stainless steel decreased last week [2].

Group 1: Nickel Variety Market Analysis - On August 20, 2025, the main contract 2510 of Shanghai Nickel opened at 120,330 yuan/ton and closed at 119,930 yuan/ton, a change of -0.48% from the previous trading day's close, with a trading volume of 63,676 lots and an open interest of 50,856 lots [1] - The main contract of Shanghai Nickel switched to the 2510 contract. The night session opened flat at 120,430 yuan/ton, fluctuating between 120,200 - 121,080 yuan/ton. Affected by weak new - energy demand and stainless - steel inventory pressure, it failed to break through the key resistance level of 121,000 yuan/ton. The night session closed down 0.33% at 120,450 yuan/ton, with a trading volume of 63,118 lots, about 15% less than the previous day. The day session briefly rose to 120,940 yuan/ton but then fell to an intraday low of 119,620 yuan/ton due to increased domestic inventory and the continued decline of LME nickel. The final closing price dropped to 120,060 yuan/ton, a decline of 0.46%, with a trading volume of 77,982 lots, about 23% more than the night session. LME nickel fell 0.73% and 0.60% on August 19 and 20 respectively, reaching a two - week low of 15,060 US dollars/ton [2] - The nickel ore market is mainly in a wait - and - see attitude, and the nickel ore price is stable. In the Philippines, the FOB price of 1.3% nickel ore resources in September is mostly 32 US dollars. The downstream nickel - iron market is stabilizing, but iron plants are still in losses and are not willing to accept high - priced nickel ore. In Indonesia, the second - phase nickel ore domestic trade benchmark price in August decreased slightly by 0.03 - 0.04 US dollars; the current mainstream premium is +24, with a premium range of +23 - 25. Some Indonesian iron plants expect the premium in the second phase of August to decline [3] - In July 2025, China's refined nickel imports were 38,164 tons, a 124% increase from the previous month and a 703% increase from the same period last year. Among them, the imports of other unwrought non - alloy nickel were 35,506 tons, accounting for 93% of the refined nickel imports. Jinchuan Group's sales price in the Shanghai market was 122,200 yuan/ton, a 600 - yuan increase from the previous trading day. The spot trading of refined nickel was fair. The spot premiums of various brands of refined nickel were stable, with a slight increase in the spot premiums of Jinchuan and Russian nickel [3] Strategy - In the short term, nickel prices will be weak, with large inventory pressure and a significant increase in imports. In the medium term, the pattern of oversupply is difficult to reverse, and the upside space is limited. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side trading, and there are no specific strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [4] Group 2: Stainless Steel Variety Market Analysis - On August 19, 2025, the main contract 2510 of stainless steel opened at 12,925 yuan/ton and closed at 12,820 yuan/ton, with a trading volume of 149,736 lots and an open interest of 135,764 lots [5] - The main contract of stainless steel opened at 13,000 yuan/ton in the night session, then quickly dropped to an intraday low of 12,855 yuan/ton due to the decline of LME nickel, and finally closed down 140 yuan at 12,885 yuan/ton, a decline of 1.07%, with a trading volume of 134,000 lots, about 18% more than the previous day. The night session showed the characteristic of short - side active position - increasing, and the net short positions of the top 20 seats increased to 11,449 lots. The day session briefly rebounded to 12,895 yuan/ton but then fell again due to the accumulation of stainless - steel social inventory and the expectation of the release of Indonesian nickel ore quotas. The final closing price dropped to 12,820 yuan/ton, a decline of 0.50%, with a trading volume of 149,700 lots, a five - day high. The stainless - steel futures warehouse receipts on the Shanghai Futures Exchange decreased by 2,215 tons to 44,298 tons, a decline of 4.76% [6] - The spot market trading of stainless steel is increasingly light, mainly concentrated on low - price resources. Affected by the decline of the futures market and the completion of downstream restocking, there is a strong bearish sentiment in the future market. The stainless - steel price in the Wuxi market is 13,050 yuan/ton, and that in the Foshan market is also 13,050 yuan/ton. The premium of 304/2B is 310 - 510 yuan/ton. The ex - factory tax - included average price of high - nickel pig iron changed by 0.50 yuan/nickel point to 927.5 yuan/nickel point [6] Strategy - Currently in the traditional off - season of consumption, with weak demand and no fundamental change in the fundamentals, it is expected that the stainless - steel price will fluctuate weakly in the near future. The strategy is mainly range - bound operation for the single - side trading, and there are no specific strategies for inter - period, cross - variety, spot - futures, and options trading [7]