Market Overview - The A-share market experienced a record trading volume of nearly 4 trillion yuan, setting a historical high [1] - The three major indices showed mixed results, with the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.31%, while the Shenzhen Component Index rose by 0.56% and the ChiNext Index increased by 0.82% [1] Stock Performance - A total of 2,747 stocks rose, with 110 hitting the daily limit up, while 2,592 stocks declined [1][2] - The trading statistics included 253 stocks with gains over 7%, 154 stocks gaining between 5-7%, and 370 stocks rising between 3-5% [2] Financing Margin Adjustment - The China Securities Regulatory Commission approved an adjustment to the financing margin ratio, increasing the minimum margin for buying securities on margin from 80% to 100% [3] - This adjustment is expected to reduce the leverage available for investors, potentially leading to a contraction in financing transactions and putting pressure on high-volatility sectors [6] Market Impact - The adjustment aims to prevent excessive leverage in financing transactions, thereby reducing market volatility risks and the potential for cascading declines due to margin calls [7] - The actual impact on the market is expected to be limited, as existing financing contracts will remain unchanged, and the overall financing balance in the A-share market is considered reasonable [8] End-of-Day Trading Activity - A notable occurrence was the appearance of large sell orders for several heavyweight stocks during the closing auction, with China Merchants Bank seeing sell orders exceeding 6.5 billion yuan [8] - Other stocks with significant sell orders included Zijin Mining, Yangtze Power, and China Aluminum, each with sell orders exceeding 1 billion yuan [8]

Market Overview - The A-share market remains active with a total trading volume of nearly 4 trillion yuan, setting a new historical high [2] - On January 14, the market experienced fluctuations with the Shanghai Composite Index down by 0.31%, while the Shenzhen Component Index and the ChiNext Index rose by 0.56% and 0.82% respectively [2] Stock Performance - A total of 2,747 stocks rose, with 110 hitting the daily limit up, while 2,592 stocks declined [3] - The trading statistics show that 253 stocks increased by more than 7%, and 154 stocks rose between 5% to 7% [3] Financing Margin Adjustment - The China Securities Regulatory Commission approved an adjustment to the financing margin ratio, increasing the minimum margin for financing purchases from 80% to 100% [4] - This adjustment means investors can no longer leverage their purchases, which may lead to a short-term reduction in market liquidity, particularly affecting high-volatility sectors like small-cap stocks [5][6] Long-term Implications - The adjustment is seen as a measure to mitigate excessive leverage risks in the market, potentially stabilizing the stock market in the long run [5] - It is expected to enhance the A-share market's resilience against risks, laying a foundation for healthy long-term development [5] End-of-Day Trading Activity - Notable end-of-day trading activity included significant sell orders for several major stocks, with China Merchants Bank seeing a sell order amount exceeding 6.5 billion yuan [6][7] - Other companies with substantial sell orders included Zijin Mining, Yangtze Power, and China Aluminum, each with orders exceeding 1 billion yuan [6][7]

Market Overview - On January 14, the market experienced a pullback after an initial rise, with the Shanghai Composite Index dropping by 0.31% while the Shenzhen Component and ChiNext Index rose by 0.56% and 0.82% respectively [1] - The A-share trading volume reached a record high of 3.99 trillion yuan, an increase of 288 billion yuan compared to the previous trading day, maintaining above 3 trillion yuan for four consecutive days [1] Financing and Margin Trading - The China Securities Regulatory Commission approved an adjustment to the financing margin ratio, increasing the minimum margin for investors from 80% to 100% [3] - In 2025, the number of new margin trading accounts reached 1.5421 million, the highest in nearly a decade, representing an increase of 53.36% from 2024 [3] - By the end of 2025, the total number of margin trading accounts surpassed 15.64 million, with the financing balance rising from 1.85 trillion yuan at the end of 2024 to 2.52 trillion yuan, a growth of over 36% [3] Sector Performance - The AI application sector saw significant gains, with over twenty constituent stocks hitting the daily limit, including Liou Co. and Shengguang Group [5] - The semiconductor sector also performed well, with stocks like Yaxiang Integration reaching historical highs [5] - Conversely, sectors such as energy metals, insurance, and banking faced declines, with lithium mining stocks experiencing significant drops [5] AI Applications and Market Trends - Analysts noted that the recent strength in AI applications is driven by two main factors: the shift from traditional SEO to generative AI in marketing strategies and the government's focus on AI in scientific research [7] - Looking ahead to 2026, there is optimism that AI applications will evolve from usable to highly effective, becoming a core theme in the AI industry [8] - The market's performance showed volatility influenced by news, but the overall trend remains positive, particularly for the Shenzhen Component and ChiNext Index [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of "aluminum replacing copper" in various industries due to the increasing copper prices and supply-demand imbalances, indicating a long-term technological shift rather than a short-term market speculation [6][7][8]. Group 1: Copper-Aluminum Price Ratio - The current copper-aluminum price ratio is at a historical high of 4.21 times, up from a low of 1.7 times in 2005, reflecting significant supply-demand differences and elasticities between the two metals [10][12]. - The widening price ratio is driving the shift from aluminum as a technical alternative to a real necessity in various applications [16]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Dynamics - Copper demand is increasing due to its role in the new energy era, while supply is constrained by long development cycles of 7-10 years and low environmental approval rates [17][18]. - In contrast, aluminum supply constraints are primarily at the smelting stage, with the industry undergoing a restructuring phase where companies with stable, low-cost, and green power resources will have competitive advantages [19][20]. - Both metals face supply elasticities, but the core constraints differ significantly, with aluminum becoming a feasible alternative in specific scenarios as technology advances [22]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Systematic technological innovations in new materials, processes, and structures are making large-scale aluminum replacement of copper feasible [24]. - Key technological breakthroughs expected by 2025-2026 include solutions for creep, electrochemical corrosion, and improved conductivity, which will address traditional aluminum material pain points [25][26]. Group 4: Industry Applications - In the power transmission sector, aluminum has already replaced copper in long-distance transmission lines, and its use in 5G base stations and data centers is increasing due to weight and cost considerations [27]. - The air conditioning industry is moving towards aluminum, with major players like Daikin already using over 50% aluminum in their products by 2024 [28]. - The automotive sector is rapidly advancing in aluminum applications, with new aluminum alloy materials developed to solve corrosion issues and optimize creep performance, expected to be implemented by 2026 [30]. Group 5: Investment Logic - The current investment logic in the aluminum sector revolves around the "aluminum replacing copper" trend and the strategic value driven by resource nationalism [33]. - The electrolytic aluminum capacity utilization rate is nearing full capacity, with major companies like China Aluminum and China Hongqiao leading in production [34][36]. - Companies with aluminum ore and energy resources are expected to have more elastic performance in the face of price increases, with a focus on optimizing resource combinations [38]. Group 6: Financial Performance and Valuation - Financial performance metrics indicate that companies like China Hongqiao and Nanshan Aluminum International have lower P/E ratios, while ROE is high for companies like Nanshan Aluminum and Huafeng Aluminum [39][40]. - The overall aluminum sector is not undervalued, but individual stock differentiation is evident, with some companies like Nanshan International Aluminum and China Hongqiao appearing relatively undervalued [41][42].

Core Viewpoint - 2026 is identified as the "Year of the Red Horse," which is favorable for the Chinese base metals market due to factors such as a weak dollar, a U.S. interest rate cut cycle, and ongoing supply tightness in copper and aluminum [1] Group 1: Market Drivers - Demand drivers for this year include a 10% year-on-year increase in grid investment, a 27% growth in electric vehicle battery production, a 41% increase in energy storage systems, and rising AI power demand [1] - The real estate and consumer sectors are experiencing weakness, while the implementation of anti-involution policies is becoming more balanced but currently lacks strong enforcement [1] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - The company favors aluminum stocks as alternative investments for AI power supply, maintaining a "buy" outlook on gold, copper, lithium (including battery materials), and cobalt stocks [1] - The company holds a neutral view on coal and is bearish on solar energy and construction materials (such as steel) due to weak demand, short-term weak enforcement of anti-involution policies, and declining steel profit margins [1] Group 3: Preferred Stocks - Preferred stocks include China Aluminum, Zijin Mining, China Hongqiao, Shandong Gold, and Ganfeng Lithium [1]

Core Viewpoint - 2026 is identified as the "Year of the Red Horse," which is favorable for the Chinese base metals market due to factors such as a weak dollar, a U.S. interest rate cut cycle, and strong demand driven by electrification and AI power infrastructure [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - A weak dollar and the U.S. interest rate cut cycle are beneficial for metals [1] - Continuous supply tightness for copper and aluminum is noted [1] Group 2: Demand Drivers - Key demand drivers include a 10% year-on-year increase in grid investment, a 27% growth in electric vehicle battery demand, a 41% increase in energy storage systems, and rising AI power demand [1] Group 3: Sector Outlook - The real estate and consumer sectors are experiencing weakness [1] - Policies aimed at reducing internal competition are becoming more balanced, although recent execution has been weak [1] Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The firm prefers aluminum stocks as alternative investments for AI power supply [1] - A "buy" outlook is maintained for gold, copper, lithium (including battery materials), and cobalt stocks [1] - Coal is viewed neutrally, while solar and construction materials (like steel) are seen negatively due to weak demand and declining steel profit margins [1] Group 5: Preferred Stocks - Preferred stocks include China Aluminum, Zijin Mining, China Hongqiao, Shandong Gold, and Ganfeng Lithium [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the growth in China's non-ferrous metal production, indicating a positive trend in the industry with a year-on-year increase in output and a favorable investment outlook for the sector [1]. Group 1: Industry Overview - In November 2025, China's production of ten non-ferrous metals reached 6.99 million tons, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.7% [1]. - From January to November 2025, the cumulative production of these metals totaled 74.474 million tons, showing an overall increase of 3.8% compared to the previous year [1]. Group 2: Companies Involved - The report mentions several key companies in the non-ferrous metal sector, including Zijin Mining (601899), Luoyang Molybdenum (603993), China Aluminum (601600), Northern Rare Earth (600111), Jiangxi Copper (600362), Yunnan Copper (000878), Chihong Zn & Ge (600497), Zhongjin Gold (600489), Western Mining (601168), and Shenghe Resources (600392) [1]. Group 3: Research and Consulting - The report is published by Zhiyan Consulting, a leading industry consulting firm in China, which specializes in providing in-depth industry research reports, business plans, feasibility studies, and customized services [1].

Core Viewpoint - The A-share market is experiencing a strong upward trend, particularly in the non-ferrous metals sector, with significant price increases in various metals and ETFs [1][3]. Non-Ferrous Metals Sector Performance - The non-ferrous metals sector is benefiting from multiple catalysts, including macroeconomic disturbances, rigid supply, and new demand dynamics [3]. - The non-ferrous 50 ETF (159652) has seen a price increase of over 2%, reaching new highs [1][5]. - Key stocks in the sector include Zijin Mining, which rose by 2.69%, and Yunnan Tin, which surged by 6.29% [2][5]. Precious Metals Insights - Gold prices are supported by geopolitical tensions and weak employment data, with forecasts suggesting potential for gold to exceed $4,500 per ounce [3]. - The World Gold Council reported a net purchase of 45 tons of gold by central banks in November, indicating strong demand [3]. Industrial Metals Dynamics - Copper prices are expected to continue rising due to supply constraints and regional mismatches, with a projected total market shortfall of over 100,000 tons by 2026 [6]. - The ongoing geopolitical risks and supply security concerns are driving copper prices to new historical highs [6]. Lithium Market Outlook - Policy changes are anticipated to lead to a short-term surge in lithium exports, positively impacting lithium carbonate prices [4][6]. - The demand for lithium remains robust, with expectations of continued strong performance in the battery sector [4]. Investment Strategy - The non-ferrous 50 ETF (159652) is highlighted as a comprehensive investment vehicle covering various metal sectors, with a high concentration of strategic assets [7][9]. - The ETF's copper content is 34%, and gold content is 12%, making it a leading option in its category [9]. Performance Metrics - The non-ferrous 50 ETF has shown a cumulative return of 99.61% since 2022, driven by earnings rather than valuation increases, with a current PE ratio of 26.27, down 52% from five years ago [11].

Fixed Income Research - The issuance rates for credit bonds have generally increased, with changes ranging from 0 BP to 8 BP, leading to a significant increase in credit bond issuance volume due to a low base effect [2] - The net financing amount for credit bonds has increased, while the net financing for targeted tools has decreased; corporate bonds have a negative net financing amount, while other types have positive net financing [2] - The secondary market saw an increase in transaction amounts for credit bonds, with most types experiencing growth [2] - Credit spreads have narrowed for most mid-term notes, corporate bonds, and urban investment bonds, as credit bonds continue to perform better than interest rate bonds [2] - The overall conditions for a bear market in credit bonds are insufficient, with a long-term downward trend in yields expected [2] Company Research: WuXi AppTec (药明康德) - WuXi AppTec expects to achieve a revenue of approximately 45.456 billion yuan in 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of about 15.84%, with continuous operating business revenue expected to grow by approximately 21.40% [6][7] - The adjusted non-IFRS net profit is projected to be around 14.957 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of about 41.33%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach approximately 19.151 billion yuan, reflecting a growth of about 102.65% [6][7] - The strong growth is attributed to the advantages of the CRDMO model, with a focus on integrated services and continuous optimization of production processes [7] - The company plans to focus on its CRDMO business model and has sold parts of its equity in joint ventures, contributing to its profit growth [7] Industry Research: Metal Industry - The steel industry is expected to maintain production levels due to acceptable profit margins, although demand is in a seasonal decline [13] - Copper prices are influenced by market sentiment and resource competition, with potential for high volatility [13] - Aluminum prices are supported by high copper prices and strategic resource concerns, while supply remains ample [13] - Gold prices are expected to remain strong due to geopolitical risks and mixed U.S. employment data [13] - The rare earth market is anticipated to strengthen due to export control measures and strategic importance [14]

Group 1 - Domestic copper and aluminum futures prices have risen significantly as of January 14, 2026, indicating a positive trend in the industrial metals market [1] - The Industrial Nonferrous ETF (560860) closely tracks the CSI Industrial Nonferrous Metals Theme Index, which includes leading companies in copper, aluminum, and rare earths, attracting substantial capital inflows [1][3] - The fund experienced a net inflow of 250 million on January 13, with a total of 1.825 billion in net inflows over the past five trading days, and nearly 2.7 billion in the last ten days [1] Group 2 - The CSI Industrial Nonferrous Metals Theme Index comprises 30 leading companies in the industrial nonferrous metals sector, with copper (34.4%), aluminum (21.8%), and rare earths (13.6%) making up nearly 70% of the index as of January 9 [5] - The top ten constituent stocks of the index include major players such as Luoyang Molybdenum, Northern Rare Earth, and China Aluminum, collectively accounting for 56.18% of the index [7] - The Industrial Nonferrous ETF (560860) is the only ETF product tracking the CSI Industrial Nonferrous Metals Theme Index, providing investors with an efficient solution to invest in this sector [7]