Summary of the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Metals and Commodities - **Company**: Morgan Stanley Research Key Points and Arguments Macro Environment - A supportive macro backdrop is driving a positive outlook for metals, characterized by a falling USD, rate cuts, and low inventories [1][2] - The DXY is forecasted to reach 89 by 4Q 2026, indicating a continuation of the current USD Bear Regime, which is associated with above-average commodity returns [2] - China's demand indicators, excluding property, have shown positive surprises, supported by exports and consumption measures [2] Commodity Outlook - **Gold**: Remains the top pick with a projected 15% upside by 3Q26, driven by strong physical buying and support from lower rates and a weaker USD [3] - **Uranium**: Expected to rise due to strong spot market activity and improving contracting as uncertainties resolve [3] - **Copper**: Supported by macro and micro factors, with supply disruptions pushing the market into a larger deficit in 2026 [3] - **Cobalt**: Market tightening due to limited export quotas from the DRC [3] - **Aluminium**: Capped output in China but increasing volumes from Indonesia [3] - **Zinc**: Faces challenges from strong output in China, which may lead to increased exports [3] - **Iron Ore**: Considered overdone with stretched positioning and anticipated blast furnace cuts [3] Long-term Outlook - Gold is expected to see the largest uplift in long-term forecasts, with adjustments made to consider above-ground stocks as "supply" [4] - Silver and PGM estimates have also increased, while copper and aluminium see minor increases [4] Price Forecasts - Significant upward revisions in price forecasts for gold, with a new estimate of $4,400 per ounce for 2026, reflecting a 26% increase from consensus [11][16] - Copper is forecasted at $10,650 per ton for 2026, a 9% increase from consensus [16] - Cobalt prices are expected to rise to $23.0 per pound, a 35% increase from consensus [16] Risks and Considerations - Demand risks remain, particularly with indications of price sensitivity in China as metals rally [2] - The impact of US tariffs and front-loading may still affect the market [2] - Geopolitical tensions and local opposition could hinder supply projects and lead to mine disruptions [25] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of real assets benefiting from macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and low inventories [2] - The potential for extreme weather to increase electricity demand and costs for smelters is noted [25] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, focusing on the macroeconomic environment, commodity-specific forecasts, and potential risks that could impact the metals and commodities market.

Summary of China Basic Materials Monitor - September 2025 Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Basic Materials** industry, highlighting the current demand and supply dynamics affecting pricing and margins in various sectors including construction, automotive, and metals [1][2]. Key Points Demand Trends - **End-user orderbooks** have shown a month-over-month (MoM) increase as of mid-September, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years [1]. - **Aggregated demand** is driven by positive growth in sectors such as **automotive**, **battery production**, and **metal fabrication**, alongside mild seasonal increases in **construction** [1]. - Traditional sectors like **white goods**, **property**, and **machinery** are experiencing weaker demand [1]. Supply Disruptions - Ongoing **supply disruptions** are noted, particularly in: - **Lithium Lepidolite** production - A correction in excess **coal** production - Tightness in domestic **copper scrap** supply [1]. - The Chinese government has reaffirmed its policy on supply management (anti-involution) as a long-term strategy, which is expected to support overall commodity pricing and margins [1]. Pricing and Margin Outlook - Current demand for **cement** and **construction steel** is reported to be 1-6% lower year-over-year (YoY), while **copper** and **aluminium** demand is down 5-7% YoY. In contrast, **flat steel** demand has increased by 3% YoY [1]. - Recent weeks have seen improvements in margins/pricing for **aluminium** and **copper**, while **steel**, **coal**, and **lithium** prices have softened, with **cement** prices remaining stable [1]. Producer Feedback - A proprietary survey indicates that **52%** of respondents in downstream sectors reported an improvement in orderbook trends for August, while **32%** of basic materials producers noted similar improvements [2]. - Conversely, **9%** of downstream respondents and **16%** of basic materials producers indicated a decline in orderbook trends [2]. Additional Insights - The report includes detailed snapshots of downstream demand across various sectors, including infrastructure, property, traditional manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and exports [7]. - Specific commodity analyses cover **steel**, **coal**, **cement**, **aluminium**, **copper**, and **lithium**, providing insights into their respective demand and pricing trends [7]. Conclusion - The China Basic Materials industry is currently experiencing a complex interplay of steady demand growth in certain sectors and ongoing supply disruptions, which collectively influence pricing and margin expectations. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, supported by government policies aimed at stabilizing supply and pricing dynamics [1][2].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Basic Materials, specifically focusing on Copper and Aluminium - **Current Trends**: Fundamentals are stable with an improving outlook for industrial metals driven by macroeconomic factors such as US rate cuts, US dollar weakness, and China's potential stimulus measures due to weak economic data [2][3] Core Insights - **Copper Market**: - Demand normalization post-tariff has not negatively impacted prices as anticipated in Q3 2025 [2] - UBS raised copper price forecasts for 2025 and 2026 by 3% to US$4.37/lb and US$4.80/lb respectively [3] - Expected supply constraints and strong secular growth drivers (e.g., electrification) will support prices in 2026/2027 [3] - **Aluminium Market**: - Demand remains mixed, but supply constraints, particularly from China, are supporting prices [4] - Aluminium price forecasts for 2025 and 2026 were increased by 5% and 2% to US$1.17/lb and US$1.18/lb respectively [4] Earnings and Price Target Adjustments - **Earnings Forecasts**: - Increased earnings forecasts for Zijin, CMOC, and JCC by 4%-5% for 2025 and 5%-9% for 2026 due to higher price expectations for copper, aluminium, and gold [5] - Specific earnings adjustments include: - Zijin: 2025 NPAT raised to Rmb 46,519 million (+4%) and 2026 NPAT to Rmb 57,056 million (+9%) [19] - CMOC: 2025 NPAT raised to Rmb 17,504 million (+5%) and 2026 NPAT to Rmb 19,200 million (+6%) [19] - **Price Target Changes**: - Price targets for key companies were raised, including: - Zijin H: Target increased by 9% to Rmb 35.4 [19] - CMOC H: Target increased by 6% to Rmb 17.5 [19] - Hongqiao: Target increased by 4% to Rmb 28.0 [19] Additional Insights - **Market Dynamics**: - The overall outlook for industrial metals is improving, with a reduced risk of a near-term demand slowdown [2] - Potential for restocking in developed markets could support prices as traditional end markets recover [2] - **Investment Recommendations**: - Top picks include Zijin, JCC, Hongqiao, and Tianshan based on revised earnings and price targets [5] Important but Overlooked Content - **Macroeconomic Drivers**: The report emphasizes the importance of macroeconomic themes rather than physical market tightness in supporting metal prices [2] - **Equity Rotation**: There is a noted equity rotation into mining stocks, indicating investor confidence in the sector's recovery [2] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook of the copper and aluminium markets, along with specific company performance forecasts and investment recommendations.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on **Global Commodities**, particularly the volatility carry strategies in the commodities market, as the worst tariff and geopolitical shocks are believed to be behind us [1][2][22]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Volatility Carry Strategies**: There are opportunities in commodities volatility carry QIS (Quantitative Investment Strategies) as volatility premia are expected to recover. This is attributed to a structural imbalance between volatility buying and selling in commodities compared to other asset classes [2][10]. - **Market Conditions**: The current macro backdrop is seen as favorable for volatility carry strategies, with expectations of a shift into a "Goldilocks" regime, which historically has led to better performance for commodities volatility carry strategies [5][26]. - **Performance of Strategies**: Volatility carry strategies have faced challenges in 2025 due to negative volatility premia caused by tariff and geopolitical shocks, but there is optimism for recovery as these shocks subside [4][24]. - **Specific Commodity Considerations**: - **Oil**: Brent has historically higher volatility premia than WTI due to geopolitical risks and hedging activities [31]. - **Gold**: Weekly options have shown better performance than monthly options due to increased liquidity and demand for short-term optionality [41][36]. - **Copper**: The market is expected to stabilize following tariff clarity, which should benefit volatility carry strategies [44]. Additional Important Content - **Quantitative Research Findings**: The quant research team has confirmed the continuation of a "Normal" macro regime, with potential for a shift to "Goldilocks," which is favorable for commodities volatility carry strategies [5][26]. - **Geopolitical Risks**: Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and US sanctions on Russian oil are noted as risks that could impact crude oil volatility [23]. - **Seasonality in Curve Carry Strategies**: Curve carry strategies have been highlighted as top performers among major commodities QIS YTD, with expectations for continued positive returns into Q4 due to strong seasonal trends [7][48]. Data and Figures - **Volatility Dashboard**: The report includes a dashboard showing the current implied and realized volatility levels across various commodities, indicating a return to positive volatility premia for most major commodities [11][19]. - **Historical Performance**: Historical data suggests that volatility carry strategies tend to perform better under stable macro conditions, with significant underperformance during periods of heightened uncertainty, such as the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic [15][24]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and outlook for the commodities market and volatility carry strategies.

Group 1: Company Overview - Rio Tinto is a global leader in the exploration, development, production, and processing of minerals and metals, founded in 1873, and is currently the world's second-largest mining and metals company after BHP [1] - Reece Limited has been operating in Australia for over 100 years and is the country's largest plumbing and bathroom supplies business, diversifying into irrigation, pools, civil construction, and HVAC systems [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Rio Tinto's share price has decreased by 2.3% since the start of 2025, while Reece Limited's share price is 64.0% away from its 52-week high [1] - For CY24, Rio Tinto reported a debt/equity ratio of 23.9%, an average dividend yield of 6.8% per year over the last 5 years, and a return on equity (ROE) of 20.3% [6] - Reece Limited reported a debt/equity ratio of 47.2% in FY24, an average dividend yield of 1.1% per year since 2019, and an ROE of 11.2% [7] Group 3: Product Portfolio - Rio Tinto's diverse portfolio is categorized into four key product areas: Aluminium, Copper & Diamonds, Energy & Minerals, and Iron Ore, with iron ore being its largest export [2]

Core Viewpoint - Vedanta is committed to using coal as the primary energy source for its mining operations while planning to reduce its reliance on coal to 50-60% in the next three to four years by incorporating more renewable energy sources [1][2] Group 1: Energy Strategy - Currently, coal makes up approximately 70% of Vedanta's energy mix [1] - The company aims to integrate renewable sources such as solar and wind to decrease coal reliance [1][2] - Vedanta's CEO stated that coal will remain the baseload contributor for the company [2] Group 2: Product Development - Vedanta is investing in low-carbon products like aluminium and zinc, which currently account for less than 20% of total output [2] - The company plans to expand production of these low-carbon products [2] Group 3: International Operations - Vedanta is exploring energy transitions in its international operations, including a 300MW power plant in Zambia, which will be split between coal and renewable energy [2][3] - The company has resumed copper production in Zambia, reaching 180,000-200,000 tonnes, with plans to increase output to 300,000 tonnes over three years [3] Group 4: Regulatory Challenges - The Indian Government halted Vedanta's proposed restructuring into four new entities due to concerns over dues recovery [4]

Summary of J.P. Morgan Aluminium Dashboard Industry Overview - **Industry**: Aluminium and Alumina Producers - **Global Demand**: Increased by 3% year-to-date (YTD) through July, with China up by 4% and the Rest of the World (RoW) up by 2% [1][15] - **Global Production**: Softer growth at 1.5% globally, with China at +2% and RoW flat [1] - **Global Inventories**: Remain low at approximately 1,125kt, but have increased by about 300kt since late June, still below 2024 levels and near decade lows for this time of year [1] Key Insights - **Alumina Prices**: Decreased from approximately $380/t in late July to $337/t at spot, with the alumina/aluminium linkage rate at 13%, below the average of 17% [1] - **Aluminium Prices**: Up by 5% YTD, with forward curves in slight contango [1] - **Market Outlook**: J.P. Morgan's Global Commodities Research team anticipates a balanced market this year and a mild surplus next year [1] Investment Recommendations - **Overweight Calls**: - Rio Tinto (RIO AU/RIO LN) - Norsk Hydro (NHY NO) - Press Metal (PMAH MK) [1] Financial Metrics of Key Companies - **Rio Tinto Ltd.**: - Market Cap: $108.3 billion - EV: $126.7 billion - Price Target: $123.0 (6% upside) - EV/EBITDA: 5.7 [4] - **Norsk Hydro**: - Market Cap: $13.1 billion - EV: $15.2 billion - Price Target: $73.0 (11% upside) - EV/EBITDA: 5.1 [4] - **Press Metal**: - Market Cap: $10.9 billion - EV: $11.8 billion - Price Target: $5.9 (6% upside) - EV/EBITDA: 16.3 [4] Consensus Estimates - **Rio Tinto NPAT**: - FY26: $9,661 million (1% below consensus) - FY27: $9,757 million (8% below consensus) [9] - **Norsk Hydro NPAT**: - FY26: $14,939 million (23% above consensus) - FY27: $11,972 million (15% below consensus) [9] Production and Demand Summary - **China Aluminium Production**: Expected to increase from 24.9 Mt in July 2024 to 25.4 Mt in July 2025 (2% increase) [15] - **Global Aluminium Demand**: Projected to rise from 41.4 Mt in July 2024 to 42.7 Mt in July 2025 (3% increase) [15] Additional Insights - **Alumina Production in China**: Expected to rise from 79.8 Mt in 2023 to 83.7 Mt in 2024 [17] - **Global Production Trends**: Year-to-date production shows a 2.6% increase globally, with specific regional variations [17] This summary encapsulates the key points from the J.P. Morgan Aluminium Dashboard, highlighting the current state and outlook of the aluminium industry, along with specific investment recommendations and financial metrics for key companies.

Trade Relations - The UK is urging the US to finalize terms for an economic prosperity deal, particularly focusing on tariff relief for British steel, which currently faces a 25% tariff [2][3] - The UK and US signed a trade deal in June that reduced tariffs on car and aerospace imports, but did not address the steel tariffs, which remain a point of contention [2][3] Investment Opportunities - More than £1.25 billion in private US investment is set to be infused into the UK's financial services sector, contributing to a total of £20 billion in trade between the two nations [9] - The investment is expected to create a thousand jobs in Belfast and hundreds in Edinburgh and Manchester, indicating a positive impact on local employment [10] Strategic Initiatives - The UK government is negotiating tariff relief for UK steel and aims to secure deals on aluminium and pharmaceuticals, reflecting the realities of the UK's supply chains and transition to low-carbon production [6] - The UK is looking to leverage its partnership with the US to gain advantages in artificial intelligence, defense technology, and secure critical mineral supplies [7]

Climate Change Action Plan - South32 set a target to halve net operational emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by FY35, relative to FY21 levels[28] - The company expanded its net zero by 2050 goal to include Scope 3 emissions[28] - South32 sold Illawarra Metallurgical Coal (IMC), reducing transition risk and Scope 3 emissions[28] - The company converted two of Worsley Alumina's coal-fired boilers to natural gas as an interim step[28] Portfolio and Capital Expenditure - 51% of South32's FY25 Underlying EBITDA is from the Aluminium value chain[30] - 23% of South32's FY25 Underlying EBITDA is from Manganese[30] - 100% of South32's capital expenditure is directed towards transition materials[36] - Capital expenditure during CCAP 2022 (FY23 to FY25) was US$71 million[40] Emissions - Hillside Aluminium accounts for 58% of South32's operational emissions[45] - Worsley Alumina accounts for 16% of South32's operational emissions[45] - Mozal Aluminium accounts for 17% of South32's operational emissions[45] - Portfolio reshaping has contributed to an approximately 80% reduction in Scope 3 emissions[63]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the base metals industry, specifically focusing on copper and aluminum markets, and their price forecasts and dynamics [1][2][3][4]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Copper Price Forecast**: The year-end LME copper price forecast is maintained at $9,700 per ton, which is $100 below current levels. The market is expected to remain stable due to a surplus [1][10]. - **Aluminum Price Dynamics**: The support for aluminum prices from anti-involution policies in China is expected to be short-lived. Although SHFE alumina futures increased by nearly 30% from May to July, this was primarily due to market speculation regarding domestic alumina refining capacity cuts [2][3]. - **Alumina Production Capacity**: In July, 3 million tons of alumina refining capacity were added, increasing domestic capacity by over 3%. Despite expectations of reduced investments due to anti-involution policies, no cuts to existing capacity have been observed, leading to rising inventories [3][4]. - **Global Bauxite Exports**: Global bauxite exports are up 18% year-over-year year-to-date, despite a decrease in Guinean bauxite exports in the second half of the year due to seasonality and mining license cancellations [3]. - **Steel Sector Stability**: There are no signs of reduced production in the steel sector, and the weak labor market complicates the implementation of significant production cuts [4]. - **China's Economic Activity**: Broad activity data in China is weakening, with apparent consumption growth of copper and aluminum slowing in recent months [8]. - **COMEX vs. LME Copper Pricing**: Despite a 25% drop in COMEX copper prices in July, the COMEX price continues to trade at a ~1% premium to LME prices, driven by potential tariff risks on refined copper [9][51]. Additional Important Insights - **European Defense Spending**: An increase in European defense spending could boost global base metals demand, with estimates suggesting a cumulative 6% increase in European industrial metals demand by 2027 [11]. - **Copper Inventory Trends**: Global copper stocks have increased by over 500,000 tons year-to-date, indicating a substantial surplus. The estimated stock build is 290,000 tons based on supply and demand models [10][34]. - **Aluminum Demand Growth**: Global aluminum demand growth is slowing, with primary aluminum consumption in China and the rest of the world showing a decline [79][80]. - **Speculative Positioning**: Speculative positioning in the COMEX copper market remains higher compared to LME markets, indicating differing market sentiments [113][118]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the current state and future outlook of the base metals industry, particularly copper and aluminum.