Group 1 - The demand for AI computing power is driving a transformation in the electronic and semiconductor materials industry, with high frequency, high power, high thermal conductivity, and miniaturization becoming the main requirements [1] - Metal soft magnetic chip inductors, due to their miniaturization and high current tolerance, are expected to be widely used in the next generation of AI chips, with the global market for AI server chip inductors projected to reach 8.1 billion by 2028 [1] - The MLCC industry is benefiting from the recovery in consumer electronics and high growth in AI server demand, with the MLCC usage in AI servers being 12.5 times that of ordinary servers, and the nickel powder market for MLCCs expected to exceed 10 billion by 2028 [1] Group 2 - The demand for liquid cooling materials in data centers is increasing, with copper-tungsten substrates meeting the thermal management needs of optical modules, while facing challenges in high thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity materials [1] - The chip ETF (512760) tracks the China Semiconductor Chip Index (990001), which selects listed companies in semiconductor materials, equipment design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing from the Chinese A-share market to comprehensively track the overall performance of the semiconductor industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes investment opportunities in upstream metal new materials driven by three key sectors: AI computing power, new energy, and humanoid robots for 2026. The demand for high-frequency, high-power, high-heat dissipation, and miniaturization is leading the material transformation [1]. Group 1: AI Materials - In the inductance field, metal soft magnetic chip inductors are highlighted for their miniaturization and high current resistance, with companies like Platinum New Materials and Dongkui Co. recommended for investment [1][2]. - In the capacitor sector, the recovery of consumer electronics and the AI engine's resonance suggest a new cycle for MLCCs, with nickel powder benefiting directly, making companies like Boqian New Materials a focus [2]. - The demand for liquid cooling materials in data centers is expected to grow significantly, with companies like Bowei Alloy recommended for their liquid cooling solutions [2]. Group 2: New Energy Materials - Copper is leading the cost revolution in photovoltaics, with companies like Boqian New Materials suggested for investment [4]. - Amorphous alloys are identified as suitable for high power density motors, with Yunlu Co. recommended [4]. - The axial flux motor is anticipated to drive the electric revolution, with Dongmu Co. highlighted for its potential [4]. Group 3: Humanoid Robot Materials - Lightweight materials, particularly magnesium, are noted as competitive, with Baowu Magnesium Industry recommended [4]. - Rare earth permanent magnets are expected to open up long-term growth in high-performance magnetic materials for humanoid robots, with companies like Jinli Permanent Magnet and Ningbo Yunsheng suggested [4]. - MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology is emphasized for its advantages in robot structural components, with Dongmu Co. again highlighted [4]. Group 4: Capacitors - The MLCC industry is poised for recovery, with significant growth expected in 2024 driven by AI applications and consumer electronics [29]. - AI servers are projected to significantly increase MLCC demand, with estimates suggesting a rise from 603 million units in 2025 to 1.55 billion units by 2028, reflecting a CAGR of 37.2% [37]. - Companies like Boqian New Materials are positioned to benefit from the high-capacity MLCC market driven by AI [38]. Group 5: Liquid Cooling Materials - The demand for liquid cooling solutions is increasing due to the high-density requirements of AI servers, with Bowei Alloy recommended for their innovative materials [49]. - Tungsten-copper alloys are expected to meet the stringent thermal management needs of optical modules, with companies like Sui Rui New Materials suggested for investment [50].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook on the non-ferrous and steel industries [5]. Core Viewpoints - The report emphasizes the importance of new non-ferrous materials in accelerating applications in AI hardware, highlighting that the market has not fully priced in the use of non-ferrous metals in AI [12][13]. - The demand for liquid cooling technology is expected to grow significantly due to the limitations of air cooling systems, with copper and aluminum being key materials for heat transfer [13]. - The report forecasts a substantial increase in the market for metal soft magnetic materials driven by the explosive growth in AI computing power, with AI server shipments projected to rise significantly [14]. Summary by Sections Non-Ferrous Metals - The report highlights the increasing demand for liquid cooling solutions in AI hardware, with copper and aluminum being essential materials due to their thermal conductivity [13]. - It notes that the next generation of AI computing cards will adopt full liquid cooling solutions, further driving demand for these metals [13]. - The report identifies potential investment opportunities in companies like Huafeng Aluminum (601702) and Platinum New Materials (300811) due to their strategic positioning in the market [13][14]. Steel Industry - The report discusses the short-term fluctuations in steel profitability under the "anti-involution" policy, with expectations for stabilization and recovery in the medium term [15]. - It notes a decrease in rebar consumption, with a reported 190 million tons consumed this week, reflecting a 9.89% week-on-week decline [15][20]. - The report indicates that steel prices are expected to rise in the future, supported by the "anti-involution" policy [32]. New Energy Metals - The report states that lithium production in July 2025 saw a significant year-on-year increase of 28.33%, indicating strong supply growth in the new energy sector [39]. - It highlights the high growth in the production and sales of new energy vehicles, with a 24.11% year-on-year increase in production in June 2025 [43]. - The report mentions rising prices for lithium, cobalt, and nickel, with lithium carbonate prices reaching 83,000 yuan per ton, reflecting an 18.57% week-on-week increase [48][49]. Industrial Metals - The report notes that global refined copper production increased by 2.88% year-on-year in May 2025, although supply growth is not keeping pace with demand [57][59]. - It highlights a significant rise in the import volume of scrap copper, which increased by 19.05% month-on-month in June 2025 [61].