Morning Bites (part 2)
🥈Solar panel installations in China dropped a further 32% YoY in October, vs. the decline of 55% YoY in September, per NEA data, as some key subsidies for local solar projects expired in early-June, and investment in grid infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the surging installations of renewable energy capacity in the last several years. However, the figure was still up 38% YoY in 10mo25 terms
📸 Photovoltaic cell output in China rose 6% YoY in October, vs. the 34% YoY drop in September (which was mainly due to the high base effect). The local PV cells output was also up 27% YoY on 10mo25 basis
Given the solid demand for renewable energy in China, we maintain our positive view on silver, copper and aluminium, which are the key beneficiary metals of the proposed global transition to clean energy in 2024-30
#silver #copper #aluminium
🥈Solar panel installations in China dropped a further 32% YoY in October, vs. the decline of 55% YoY in September, per NEA data, as some key subsidies for local solar projects expired in early-June, and investment in grid infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the surging installations of renewable energy capacity in the last several years. However, the figure was still up 38% YoY in 10mo25 terms
📸 Photovoltaic cell output in China rose 6% YoY in October, vs. the 34% YoY drop in September (which was mainly due to the high base effect). The local PV cells output was also up 27% YoY on 10mo25 basis
Given the solid demand for renewable energy in China, we maintain our positive view on silver, copper and aluminium, which are the key beneficiary metals of the proposed global transition to clean energy in 2024-30
#silver #copper #aluminium
Morning Bites
⛏️ Codelco offered Chinese copper buyers a record high USD 350/t premium over LME prices for 2026 contracts, Bloomberg reports, citing people related to the pricing discussions. Meanwhile, for 2025, the premium was agreed at only USD 89/t
In our view, the rising copper premiums underscore the recent supply disruptions at major mines (that led to continuously negative spot TC/RC in China in 2025), as well as strong demand trends globally. Given the both short and long-term positive market fundamentals, we maintain our positive view on copper and expect prices to reach USD 12,300/t in the 1H26
#copper
⛏️ Codelco offered Chinese copper buyers a record high USD 350/t premium over LME prices for 2026 contracts, Bloomberg reports, citing people related to the pricing discussions. Meanwhile, for 2025, the premium was agreed at only USD 89/t
In our view, the rising copper premiums underscore the recent supply disruptions at major mines (that led to continuously negative spot TC/RC in China in 2025), as well as strong demand trends globally. Given the both short and long-term positive market fundamentals, we maintain our positive view on copper and expect prices to reach USD 12,300/t in the 1H26
#copper
Morning Bites
📉China’s output of aluminium products slid 4% YoY to 5.7mnt in October, vs. the 2% YoY decline in September. In our view, the rapid expansion of the grid and the new energy sector in China (which accounts for ~60% of global consumption), combined with the country’s Al output cap, remain among key factors driving aluminium market fundamentals in the medium term
🥉China's output of copper products rose 2% YoY in October to 2.0mnt, vs. the +11% YoY in September. We reiterate our view that upbeat grid investments in China, solid demand trends globally and the monetary policy easing cycle in key economies (the US/EU and China) are likely to add further support to the red metal’s price (which we expect to reach, on average, USD 12,300/t in 2026). China represents ~55% of global Cu demand
#aluminium #copper
📉China’s output of aluminium products slid 4% YoY to 5.7mnt in October, vs. the 2% YoY decline in September. In our view, the rapid expansion of the grid and the new energy sector in China (which accounts for ~60% of global consumption), combined with the country’s Al output cap, remain among key factors driving aluminium market fundamentals in the medium term
🥉China's output of copper products rose 2% YoY in October to 2.0mnt, vs. the +11% YoY in September. We reiterate our view that upbeat grid investments in China, solid demand trends globally and the monetary policy easing cycle in key economies (the US/EU and China) are likely to add further support to the red metal’s price (which we expect to reach, on average, USD 12,300/t in 2026). China represents ~55% of global Cu demand
#aluminium #copper
Morning Bites (part 1)
🔗CISA mills daily crude steel production in mid-November was 1.94mnt, up 0.9% vs. the previous ten days, but 6.6% lower YoY. Local steel inventories rose 0.8% over the period, and were 0.4% higher YoY
CISA data show that on a YTD basis (through 20 November), production stood flat YoY; however, per official NBS data, the country's steel output was down 3.9% YoY in 10mo25, while Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 10mo25) remain elevated
To recap, in late-October China held a plenum meeting regarding its 2026-30 strategic industries plan (details to be released in March 2026). Given the continuous crisis on the global steel market, Beijing might introduce additional strict supply-control measures similar to the 2016-17 reform (when >100mnt steelmaking capacities were removed). The new reform, if announced, might trigger a recovery in global steel prices in 2026, we believe
China accounts for ~57% of global steel supply
#steel
🔗CISA mills daily crude steel production in mid-November was 1.94mnt, up 0.9% vs. the previous ten days, but 6.6% lower YoY. Local steel inventories rose 0.8% over the period, and were 0.4% higher YoY
CISA data show that on a YTD basis (through 20 November), production stood flat YoY; however, per official NBS data, the country's steel output was down 3.9% YoY in 10mo25, while Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 10mo25) remain elevated
To recap, in late-October China held a plenum meeting regarding its 2026-30 strategic industries plan (details to be released in March 2026). Given the continuous crisis on the global steel market, Beijing might introduce additional strict supply-control measures similar to the 2016-17 reform (when >100mnt steelmaking capacities were removed). The new reform, if announced, might trigger a recovery in global steel prices in 2026, we believe
China accounts for ~57% of global steel supply
#steel
Morning Bites (part 2)
📈Russia’s gold output increased 7.4% YoY in October, decelerating from the +11.6% YoY in September, per Rosstat data. Overall, the country’s gold production in 10mo25 was up 5.8% YoY. Russia accounts for some 10% of the world's mined gold supply
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its long-term fundamentally reasonable level, we think the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in late-2025 and 1H26, given strong inflows into global central banks and ETFs, in addition to the global trade related concerns
#gold
📈Russia’s gold output increased 7.4% YoY in October, decelerating from the +11.6% YoY in September, per Rosstat data. Overall, the country’s gold production in 10mo25 was up 5.8% YoY. Russia accounts for some 10% of the world's mined gold supply
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its long-term fundamentally reasonable level, we think the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in late-2025 and 1H26, given strong inflows into global central banks and ETFs, in addition to the global trade related concerns
#gold
Morning Bites (part 1)
🚘EU + UK passenger car registrations increased 5% YoY in October, vs. the 11% YoY gain in September, per ACEA data. Specifically, local catalyst-containing car sales inched down 1%, while the overall growth was driven by BEVs (+36% YoY) in October. However, the overall figure was still 10% lower than the pre-Covid level (October 2019)
We reiterate our view that the ongoing monetary easing cycle in key global economies, the recently announced cancellation of EV-support programmes in the US (since late-September 2025), as well as potentially higher PGM autocatalyst loadings in China in coming years (due to planned China 7 emissions standard) might bolster Pd/Pt market fundamentals in the medium term
In 2024, the EU+UK accounted for some 23% and 26% of world autocatalyst Pd and Pt demand, respectively
#cars
🚘EU + UK passenger car registrations increased 5% YoY in October, vs. the 11% YoY gain in September, per ACEA data. Specifically, local catalyst-containing car sales inched down 1%, while the overall growth was driven by BEVs (+36% YoY) in October. However, the overall figure was still 10% lower than the pre-Covid level (October 2019)
We reiterate our view that the ongoing monetary easing cycle in key global economies, the recently announced cancellation of EV-support programmes in the US (since late-September 2025), as well as potentially higher PGM autocatalyst loadings in China in coming years (due to planned China 7 emissions standard) might bolster Pd/Pt market fundamentals in the medium term
In 2024, the EU+UK accounted for some 23% and 26% of world autocatalyst Pd and Pt demand, respectively
#cars
Morning Bites (part 2)
🌏 Global manufacturing PMIs showed soft dynamics in November. The Eurozone Markit Manufacturing PMI was recorded at 49.7 (vs. 50.0 in October), while the US ISM Manufacturing PMI was down to 48.2 (from 48.7)
🇨🇳 The official NBS Manufacturing PMI in China inched up to 49.2 (vs. 49.0 a month ago). Meanwhile, the Caixin China Manufacturing PMI slid to 49.9
🇮🇳 India’s manufacturing PMI of 56.2 remains one of the strongest indicators among the world's key economies
❗️Overall, global manufacturing PMI readings softened last month, underlining the weakness in the manufacturing activity of the world's key economies. However, India remains the standout with continuously robust PMI figures
#PMIs
🌏 Global manufacturing PMIs showed soft dynamics in November. The Eurozone Markit Manufacturing PMI was recorded at 49.7 (vs. 50.0 in October), while the US ISM Manufacturing PMI was down to 48.2 (from 48.7)
🇨🇳 The official NBS Manufacturing PMI in China inched up to 49.2 (vs. 49.0 a month ago). Meanwhile, the Caixin China Manufacturing PMI slid to 49.9
🇮🇳 India’s manufacturing PMI of 56.2 remains one of the strongest indicators among the world's key economies
❗️Overall, global manufacturing PMI readings softened last month, underlining the weakness in the manufacturing activity of the world's key economies. However, India remains the standout with continuously robust PMI figures
#PMIs
Morning Bites (part 3)
⛏️ China’s top copper smelters have agreed to cut production by more than 10% YoY in 2026, amid continuously tight concentrate supply, SMM reports, citing China Smelters Purchase Team discussions. To recap, spot TC/RCs (treatment and refining charges) in China turned negative in mid-2025, amid the recent supply disruptions at major mines
Furthermore, China’s expansion plans for some 2 mntpa of new smelting capacity have been halted
Given the both short and long-term positive market fundamentals, we maintain our positive view on copper and expect prices to reach USD 12,300/t in the 1H26
#copper
⛏️ China’s top copper smelters have agreed to cut production by more than 10% YoY in 2026, amid continuously tight concentrate supply, SMM reports, citing China Smelters Purchase Team discussions. To recap, spot TC/RCs (treatment and refining charges) in China turned negative in mid-2025, amid the recent supply disruptions at major mines
Furthermore, China’s expansion plans for some 2 mntpa of new smelting capacity have been halted
Given the both short and long-term positive market fundamentals, we maintain our positive view on copper and expect prices to reach USD 12,300/t in the 1H26
#copper
Morning Bites
🏦 Global central banks purchased net 52t of gold in October, vs. the slightly revised +42t net in September, marking the 29th consecutive month of reserve accumulation, the World Gold Council reports
Specifically, gold purchases in October were mainly recorded in Brazil, Poland (+16t each) and Uzbekistan (+9t), while the only notable seller was Russia (-3t). We remind readers that official central bank purchases represent only ~1/3 of real gold demand from government institutions, per WGC estimates
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its fundamentally reasonable long-term level, we believe that the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in 1H26, given the steady inflows into global ETFs and central banks
#gold
🏦 Global central banks purchased net 52t of gold in October, vs. the slightly revised +42t net in September, marking the 29th consecutive month of reserve accumulation, the World Gold Council reports
Specifically, gold purchases in October were mainly recorded in Brazil, Poland (+16t each) and Uzbekistan (+9t), while the only notable seller was Russia (-3t). We remind readers that official central bank purchases represent only ~1/3 of real gold demand from government institutions, per WGC estimates
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its fundamentally reasonable long-term level, we believe that the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in 1H26, given the steady inflows into global ETFs and central banks
#gold
Morning Bites (part 1)
💍Hong Kong jewellery and watch sales gained 9% YoY in October, vs. the revised +10% YoY in September, per government data. According to Rapaport, the recovery in local sales continued amid improved consumer confidence and overall solid inbound tourism trends (the number of Mainland visitors was up 10% YoY in October)
We maintain our cautious view on the medium-term prospects for global diamond market recovery, given risks to supply discipline (until De Beers spin-off, as it continues to trade even at weak prices) and concerns about a global trade war
#diamonds
💍Hong Kong jewellery and watch sales gained 9% YoY in October, vs. the revised +10% YoY in September, per government data. According to Rapaport, the recovery in local sales continued amid improved consumer confidence and overall solid inbound tourism trends (the number of Mainland visitors was up 10% YoY in October)
We maintain our cautious view on the medium-term prospects for global diamond market recovery, given risks to supply discipline (until De Beers spin-off, as it continues to trade even at weak prices) and concerns about a global trade war
#diamonds
Morning Bites (part 2)
⛏️ Ivanhoe has released downbeat copper production guidance for 2026-27, reflecting a slower recovery at its underground Kakula mine (~1.5% of global Cu supply), after the flooding in May. Before the accident, the company had expected to reach 600ktpa output already next year, but now the projections have been lowered to ~400kt for 2026 and ~520kt for 2027, according to the new guidance
To recap, Freeport McMoran has also recently revised down its 2026+ production expectations, following the accident at its flagship Grasberg mine (~3.0% of global Cu supply)
We maintain our bullish view on copper, amid both short- and long-term supply issues (already underscored by negative spot TC/RC in China in 2025), growing demand for renewables globally, and surging investments in China’s grid infrastructure (~8% of global Cu demand, on our numbers)
#copper
⛏️ Ivanhoe has released downbeat copper production guidance for 2026-27, reflecting a slower recovery at its underground Kakula mine (~1.5% of global Cu supply), after the flooding in May. Before the accident, the company had expected to reach 600ktpa output already next year, but now the projections have been lowered to ~400kt for 2026 and ~520kt for 2027, according to the new guidance
To recap, Freeport McMoran has also recently revised down its 2026+ production expectations, following the accident at its flagship Grasberg mine (~3.0% of global Cu supply)
We maintain our bullish view on copper, amid both short- and long-term supply issues (already underscored by negative spot TC/RC in China in 2025), growing demand for renewables globally, and surging investments in China’s grid infrastructure (~8% of global Cu demand, on our numbers)
#copper
Morning Bites
🚘New car registrations in France, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany inched up 2% YoY in November, vs. the 5% YoY gain in October. However, total sales remained below their pre-COVID level (-14% vs. November 2019). Specifically, in France, car sales were 23% below their 2019 level, while registrations in Italy and Germany were 18% and 16% weaker, respectively. UK and Spain figures were broadly in-line with 2019 levels
Given these five countries represented more than 70% of new vehicle registrations in Europe in 2024, the region’s car sales likely increased in low-single digits YoY last month, but remained well below their pre-pandemic levels
#cars #PGMs
🚘New car registrations in France, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany inched up 2% YoY in November, vs. the 5% YoY gain in October. However, total sales remained below their pre-COVID level (-14% vs. November 2019). Specifically, in France, car sales were 23% below their 2019 level, while registrations in Italy and Germany were 18% and 16% weaker, respectively. UK and Spain figures were broadly in-line with 2019 levels
Given these five countries represented more than 70% of new vehicle registrations in Europe in 2024, the region’s car sales likely increased in low-single digits YoY last month, but remained well below their pre-pandemic levels
#cars #PGMs
🗞Today, China published its preliminary import/export statistics for November (see table above)
#statistics #China
#statistics #China
Morning Bites (part 1)
🔗China’s net finished steel exports rose 8% YoY in November, reversing from the decrease of 13% YoY in October. We remind readers that China aims to lower “excessive” steel output in 2025 (down 4% YoY in 10mo25) and strictly prohibit new capacity additions in 2025-26. In our view, this measure could help to normalise abnormally high Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 11mo25) and support global steel prices in 2026
🪨China’s coal imports dropped 20% YoY in November, vs. the -10% YoY in October. According to Reuters, the decline was mostly due to heavy rains in Indonesia (the leading thermal coal supplier) that weighed on exports from the country, while some of its mines have also stopped production after reaching their quotas for 2025
#coal #steel
🔗China’s net finished steel exports rose 8% YoY in November, reversing from the decrease of 13% YoY in October. We remind readers that China aims to lower “excessive” steel output in 2025 (down 4% YoY in 10mo25) and strictly prohibit new capacity additions in 2025-26. In our view, this measure could help to normalise abnormally high Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 11mo25) and support global steel prices in 2026
🪨China’s coal imports dropped 20% YoY in November, vs. the -10% YoY in October. According to Reuters, the decline was mostly due to heavy rains in Indonesia (the leading thermal coal supplier) that weighed on exports from the country, while some of its mines have also stopped production after reaching their quotas for 2025
#coal #steel
Morning Bites (part 2)
📈Gold-backed ETFs purchased 38t of gold net in November, vs. the +55t net seen in October, according to World Gold Council data. The reported inflows were strong in Asia (+24t), while North American and European funds also accumulated 7t and 8t, respectively. Overall, since May 2024, global funds have added 852t net (~12% of world physical gold demand, in annualised terms), following the ongoing monetary easing cycle in the EU, US, and China, as well as persisting geopolitical unrest
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its long-term fundamentally reasonable level, we think the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in 1H26, given strong inflows into global central banks and ETFs, in addition to the global trade related concerns
#ETF #gold
📈Gold-backed ETFs purchased 38t of gold net in November, vs. the +55t net seen in October, according to World Gold Council data. The reported inflows were strong in Asia (+24t), while North American and European funds also accumulated 7t and 8t, respectively. Overall, since May 2024, global funds have added 852t net (~12% of world physical gold demand, in annualised terms), following the ongoing monetary easing cycle in the EU, US, and China, as well as persisting geopolitical unrest
Although at spot gold continues to trade above what we see as its long-term fundamentally reasonable level, we think the precious metal’s price will remain elevated in 1H26, given strong inflows into global central banks and ETFs, in addition to the global trade related concerns
#ETF #gold
Morning Bites (part 3)
🚘US light vehicle sales fell 7% YoY in November, broadly in-line with the decrease of 5% YoY seen in October. Total sales were also 10% below their pre-Covid (2019) levels
To recap, the new US budget legislation eliminated USD 7,500 and USD 4,000 tax credits for buying new and used EVs, respectively, from the end of September 2025. In our view, this factor will further weigh on BEV sales in the US (~10% of global EV registrations in 2024), as was the case in Germany in early-2024. Meanwhile, this would be simultaneously supportive for PGM market fundamentals, in our view: the share of catalyst-containing cars in local sales will gradually increase, we believe
On our numbers, North America accounted for 24% and 15% of world autocatalyst Pd and Pt consumption, respectively, in 2024
#cars #PGMs
🚘US light vehicle sales fell 7% YoY in November, broadly in-line with the decrease of 5% YoY seen in October. Total sales were also 10% below their pre-Covid (2019) levels
To recap, the new US budget legislation eliminated USD 7,500 and USD 4,000 tax credits for buying new and used EVs, respectively, from the end of September 2025. In our view, this factor will further weigh on BEV sales in the US (~10% of global EV registrations in 2024), as was the case in Germany in early-2024. Meanwhile, this would be simultaneously supportive for PGM market fundamentals, in our view: the share of catalyst-containing cars in local sales will gradually increase, we believe
On our numbers, North America accounted for 24% and 15% of world autocatalyst Pd and Pt consumption, respectively, in 2024
#cars #PGMs
Morning Bites
🔗CISA mills daily crude steel production in late-November was 1.82mnt, down 6.4% vs. the previous ten days and 13.1% lower YoY. Local steel inventories also fell 8.5% over the period, but were 8.6% higher YoY
CISA data show that on a YTD basis (through 30 November), the local production slid 0.5% YoY; however, per official NBS data, the country's steel output was down 3.9% YoY in 10mo25, while Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 11mo25) remain elevated
To recap, in late-October, China held a plenum meeting regarding its 2026-30 strategic industries plan (details to be released in March 2026). Given the continuous crisis on the global steel market, Beijing might introduce additional strict supply-control measures similar to the 2016-17 reform (when >100mnt steelmaking capacities were removed). The new reform, if announced, might trigger a recovery in global steel prices in 2026, we believe
China accounts for ~57% of global steel supply
#steel
🔗CISA mills daily crude steel production in late-November was 1.82mnt, down 6.4% vs. the previous ten days and 13.1% lower YoY. Local steel inventories also fell 8.5% over the period, but were 8.6% higher YoY
CISA data show that on a YTD basis (through 30 November), the local production slid 0.5% YoY; however, per official NBS data, the country's steel output was down 3.9% YoY in 10mo25, while Chinese net export volumes (which grew 25% YoY in 2024 and 7% YoY in 11mo25) remain elevated
To recap, in late-October, China held a plenum meeting regarding its 2026-30 strategic industries plan (details to be released in March 2026). Given the continuous crisis on the global steel market, Beijing might introduce additional strict supply-control measures similar to the 2016-17 reform (when >100mnt steelmaking capacities were removed). The new reform, if announced, might trigger a recovery in global steel prices in 2026, we believe
China accounts for ~57% of global steel supply
#steel
Morning Bites
🏗China’s excavator sales rose 14% YoY in November (domestic + export), accelerating from the +8% YoY in October, per CCMA data. Specifically, domestic sales were up 9% YoY (but still -30% vs. the same period in 2021)
In our view, the ongoing recovery in Chinese excavator sales, recorded since mid-2024, indicates that local construction activity is gradually bottoming out. Meanwhile, Beijing plans to further cut 'excessive' steel output in 2025-26 (-4% YoY in 10mo25, per official data). These factors might cool surging Chinese steel exports, and support global steel prices in 2026, in our view
#steel
🏗China’s excavator sales rose 14% YoY in November (domestic + export), accelerating from the +8% YoY in October, per CCMA data. Specifically, domestic sales were up 9% YoY (but still -30% vs. the same period in 2021)
In our view, the ongoing recovery in Chinese excavator sales, recorded since mid-2024, indicates that local construction activity is gradually bottoming out. Meanwhile, Beijing plans to further cut 'excessive' steel output in 2025-26 (-4% YoY in 10mo25, per official data). These factors might cool surging Chinese steel exports, and support global steel prices in 2026, in our view
#steel