回归基本面，反内卷期待下半场

Summary of Conference Call Records Industry Overview - The steel industry is experiencing a phase of "anti-involution," which shows improvement but relies on demand support and self-driven supply-demand turning points [1][3][5] - The copper market is facing supply disruptions, with a global supply decrease of over 100,000 tons in the first half of the year, leading to a weak supply-demand balance [10][17] Key Points and Arguments Steel Industry - The steel sector performed well in the first half of 2025 due to self-driven profit points, coking coal concessions, and policy expectations [1][5] - The second half of 2025 is expected to enter a phase of anti-involution execution and production cuts, leading to a new round of profit improvement [5][6] - Current macro conditions are similar to 2021, with a demand downturn and policy speculation, but the market has found a bottom, reducing reliance on policy support [1][6] - The average daily pig iron output has not significantly decreased, indicating that production cuts have not yet been effectively implemented [6] Copper Market - The 232 tariff policy has led to high copper inventories in the U.S., resulting in a proactive destocking cycle and weakening global demand [9] - Short-term copper prices are expected to fluctuate between $9,000 and $9,500, with a potential for a new upward cycle in 2026 if major economies experience liquidity easing [11][17] Aluminum Market - Significant increases in aluminum rod and electrolytic aluminum inventories, with weekly production nearing peak levels, may lead to price corrections, but prices are unlikely to fall below 20,000 RMB/ton [12] - High-dividend companies in the aluminum sector remain attractive for investment [12][18] Small Metals Market - Cobalt is entering a supply contraction and price increase phase, while rare earth materials are in short supply, leading to expected price increases [15][19] - Lithium carbonate and nickel are at cost support bottoms, requiring attention to supply-side changes for potential recovery [20] Other Important Insights - The current market environment is characterized as a "mid-game pause," with expectations for a turnaround in fundamentals in the second half of the year [5][7] - Investors are advised to focus on asset allocation opportunities, particularly during the economic bottoming process and under significant PPI pressure [7] - The overall sentiment in the gold market is cautious, with prices expected to remain in a range due to macroeconomic conditions [13][14] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the dynamics within the steel, copper, aluminum, and small metals markets, along with investment strategies and macroeconomic considerations.