Editor's Note: A review of the H1 rare earth market shows it was a case of "you reap what you sow." The rare earth sector drifted higher overall, with performance varying across products. Pr-Nd oxide gained 22.42% in H1, dysprosium oxide rose 5.97%, and terbium oxide gained 8.37%. With a rising tide lifting all boats, higher rare earth prices directly boosted operating earnings at companies along the industry chain. According to SMM, the 10 rare earth-related companies that have disclosed semi-annual reports, preliminary results, or earnings forecasts all achieved varying degrees of earnings growth in H1. The market is now awaiting demand to materialize in the traditional peak season. As summer gives way to autumn, can rare earth prices extend their H1 gains in H2, and what market conditions will upstream and downstream players in the rare earth industry chain face? Multiple Rare Earth Companies Report Positive H1 Results The H1 earnings forecast disclosed by Zhongxi Nonferrous Metals on the evening of July 13 showed that, based on preliminary estimates by the company's financial department, the company expects net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company in H1 2026 to be RMB370 million to RMB430 million, an increase of RMB297.5013 million to RMB357.5013 million compared with the same period last year, up 410.35% to 493.11% YoY. The company also expects net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company after deducting non-recurring gains and losses in H1 2026 to be RMB368.0027 million to RMB428.0027 million, an increase of RMB276.2326 million to RMB336.2326 million compared with the same period last year, up 301.00% to 366.39% YoY. As for the main reasons for the expected earnings growth, Zhongxi Nonferrous Metals said: (1) In H1 2026, the supply-demand pattern of the rare earth industry changed and prices of major rare earth products rose YoY. By adopting an innovative integrated operating model to coordinate raw material procurement for rare earth separation plants and sales of all products, and by analyzing market supply-demand changes to dynamically adjust its product output mix, the company significantly increased the operating value of its core rare earth business. (2) The company made substantial progress in loss-making enterprise restructuring and deepened reform, with resources further concentrated in its core main business and competitive operations, and losses at loss-making enterprises narrowed significantly YoY. (3) Its associated company Dabaoshan Company maintained stable and high production; sales volumes and prices of copper and sulfur products both increased YoY, boosting Dabaoshan's profit, and the company's investment income recognized under the equity method increased accordingly. The H1 earnings forecast disclosed by Huahong Technology on the evening of July 13 showed that the company expects net profit attributable to the parent company in H1 2026 to be RMB320 million to RMB360 million, up 301.84%-352.08% YoY. Regarding the reasons for the performance change, Huahong Technology said: In H1 2026, benefiting from industry policies and a pickup in downstream demand, prices of major rare earth products in China climbed steadily. The company's rare earth resource comprehensive utilization segment seized market opportunities, fully leveraged its comprehensive advantages in capacity scale, cost control, and process technology, and continuously optimized supply, production, and sales coordination and inventory management strategies, effectively driving the full release of the segment's profitability. The company continued to deepen its layout across the rare earth industry chain, while its downstream rare earth permanent magnet materials business expanded steadily. Benefiting from steady demand in end-use sectors such as NEVs, wind power, and industrial automation, this business segment continued to expand its business scale, with revenue and product mix continuously optimized, and became an important supplement to performance growth. The semi-annual earnings forecast released by Xiamen Tungsten showed that, according to preliminary calculations by the finance department, net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for H1 2026 was expected to be approximately 2,216.0318 million yuan, up approximately 1,246.7133 million yuan from the same period last year, equivalent to an increase of approximately 128.62% YoY. According to preliminary calculations by the finance department, net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for H1 2026, excluding non-recurring gains and losses, was expected to be approximately 2,176.0263 million yuan, up approximately 1,253.4882 million yuan from the same period last year, equivalent to an increase of approximately 135.87% YoY. Regarding the main reasons for the expected performance growth in the period, Xiamen Tungsten explained: In H1, facing a market environment in which prices of major raw materials such as tungsten, cobalt, lithium carbonate, and Pr-Nd oxide rose YoY and swung wildly, the company responded proactively, dynamically adjusted its operating strategy, and drove a corresponding increase in product selling prices. Meanwhile, it continued to improve product quality and market development capabilities, and sales of main products such as alloy bars, cutting tools, power battery cathode materials, and magnetic materials grew steadily. Profitability of the company's three core businesses—tungsten and molybdenum, new energy materials, and rare earths—improved to varying degrees. Ningbo Yunsheng disclosed its earnings forecast on the evening of July 14, which showed that, according to preliminary calculations by the finance department, net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company for H1 2026 was expected to be between 240 million yuan and 310 million yuan, an increase of between 132.1657 million yuan and 202.1657 million yuan compared with the same period last year (statutorily disclosed data), up 122.56% to 187.48% YoY. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company after deducting non-recurring profit or loss for H1 2026 is expected to be RMB210 million to RMB280 million, an increase of RMB121.3954 million to RMB191.3954 million compared with the same period last year (statutorily disclosed data), up 137.01% to 216.01% YoY. Ningbo Yunsheng explained that the main reasons for the projected profit increase were as follows: during the reporting period, the company adhered to customer demand orientation, focused deeply on NEV, consumer electronics, industrial and other application fields, actively explored emerging and regional markets, seized development opportunities from new projects, continuously optimized its business mix, and increased the share of revenue from outside China. Meanwhile, the company continued to deepen refined management, which lifted product gross margins and thus increased net profit. The H1 earnings forecast released by China Northern Rare Earth shows that, based on a preliminary estimate by the company's finance department, net profit attributable to owners of the parent company for H1 2026 is expected to be RMB1.98 billion to RMB2.06 billion, an increase of RMB1.05 billion to RMB1.13 billion compared with the same period last year (statutorily disclosed data), up 112.74% to 121.33% YoY. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent company after deducting non-recurring profit or loss for H1 2026 is expected to be RMB1.99 billion to RMB2.07 billion, an increase of RMB1.093 billion to RMB1.173 billion compared with the same period last year (statutorily disclosed data), up 121.90% to 130.82% YoY. Main Reasons for the Projected Profit Increase in the Period: In H1 2026, the company supported the national rare earth resource strategy and fully implemented safety and control requirements across the rare earth industry chain. Driven by factors such as constrained raw material supply and the multi-point release and sustained growth of downstream demand, rare earth product prices showed an overall strengthening trend and consolidated. Centering on its annual production and operation targets, the company planned comprehensively and implemented a combination of measures, strengthened overall budget management, coordinated cost reduction, quality improvement and efficiency gains, scientifically organized production and scheduling, intensified marketing operations, deepened reform and innovation, strengthened group management and risk prevention and control, promoted the high-quality in-depth integration of professional management, lean management and 5S management, advanced key project construction, accelerated the development of new quality productive forces through management and research innovation, and, with sound industry chain value creation capability and core competitiveness, provided solid support and guarantee for its good operating results. The company scientifically refined its production organization and operations; production of rare earth smelting and separation products, rare earth metal products and new rare earth materials all reached record highs for the same period in history; the company's subsidiary Inner Mongolia Northern Rare Earth Magnetic Materials Co., Ltd. achieved operating revenue of approximately RMB9.5 billion in H1, up about 107% YoY, maintaining growth momentum for three consecutive years; its subsidiary Inner Mongolia Xikeao Hydrogen Storage Alloy Co., Ltd. officially put its first batch of 1,000 hydrogen-powered two-wheelers into operation in Baotou, with cumulative safe driving mileage reaching 170,000 km; the project has achieved notable demonstration results. The Company persisted in benchmarking against advanced peers both internally and externally to tap internal potential, strengthened refined management, and significantly improved a number of economic and technical indicators. It implemented targeted measures across each business segment: the smelting and separation segment overcame new changes in production costs brought by rising raw and auxiliary material prices, effectively controlled cost fluctuations, scientifically organized production and scheduling, and ensured new product supply needs; the rare earth metals segment took the strengthening of lean production concepts as its focus, used digital and intelligent means to further strengthen on-site process operation management, and drove new breakthroughs in economic and technical indicators such as quality and material consumption ratio; the rare earth new materials and applications segment fully leveraged its new capacity advantage, precisely matched customer demand, and achieved new progress in driving sales through production. It deepened industry chain coordination and linkage, and on the basis of ensuring stable product supply, consolidated the foundation of downstream customer cooperation. Shenghe Resources released its H1 earnings preview on July 10, which showed: according to preliminary estimates by the company's finance department, net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company for H1 2026 is expected to be 800 million yuan to 930 million yuan, an increase of 423.0938 million yuan to 553.0938 million yuan compared to the same period last year, up 112.25% to 146.75% YoY. Net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company excluding non-recurring items for H1 2026 is expected to be 790 million yuan to 920 million yuan, an increase of 426.487 million yuan to 556.487 million yuan compared to the same period last year, up 117.32% to 153.09% YoY. Regarding the main reasons for the expected earnings growth in the current period, Shenghe Resources said: During the reporting period, affected by factors such as rare earth industry policies and downstream demand, overall market demand for major rare earth products improved, and product prices and average selling prices rose significantly compared to the previous year. The company seized market opportunities, optimized its production and sales mix, strengthened management empowerment and cost control, and thereby drove substantial earnings growth. China Rare Earth said in its recently released semi-annual report: In H1, the supply-demand pattern of the rare earth industry continued to be adjusted and optimized. Supported by multiple favorable factors such as rare earth industry policies and stronger downstream demand, the market overall trended upward, and Pr-Nd product prices rose significantly compared to the same period last year. The company followed its annual work deployment, anchored its goals and added more pressure, seized the momentum and strived for excellence, strengthened Party building leadership, and focused on six key tasks including resource assurance, efficient operations, technological innovation, project construction, deepening reform, and capacity building. It made targeted efforts and achieved notable phased results, simultaneously improved operational quality and efficiency, successfully completed all operational targets and tasks, and vigorously created a new situation of high-quality leapfrog development, laying the foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. In H1 , the company achieved revenue of 1.647 billion yuan, net profit of 237 million yuan attributable to shareholders of the listed company, up 46.53% YoY, and net profit of 240 million yuan attributable to shareholders of the listed company after deducting non-recurring gains and losses, up 55.49% YoY. The H1 earnings forecast disclosed by Tianhe Magnetics on July 9 showed that, based on preliminary estimates by its financial department, the company expected net profit attributable to owners of the parent company for H1 2026 to be between 73 million yuan and 93 million yuan, an increase of 19.5448 million yuan to 39.5448 million yuan compared with the same period last year (statutory disclosed data), up 36.56% to 73.98% YoY. It also expected net profit attributable to owners of the parent company after deducting non-recurring gains and losses for H1 2026 to be between 68 million yuan and 88 million yuan, an increase of 32.5723 million yuan to 52.5723 million yuan compared with the same period last year (statutory disclosed data), up 91.94% to 148.39% YoY. Regarding the main reasons for the expected H1 profit growth, Tianhe Magnetics said: 1. In H1, raw material prices fluctuated at high levels overall. The company optimized pricing strategies for some existing and new orders and raised product selling prices. 2. In 2026, the company proactively seized market opportunities, conducted sales efforts centered on "focusing on emerging markets, deepening customer relationships, and optimizing channel layout," achieved dual-driver growth in both international and domestic markets, and delivered notable results in market development. Overall operating revenue is expected to increase by about 30% YoY, with domestic business revenue expected to increase by about 50% YoY. 3. During the reporting period, non-recurring gains and losses are expected to have an impact of approximately 5 million yuan on net profit, compared with after-tax non-recurring gains and losses of 18.0275 million yuan in the same period last year. The H1 earnings forecast released by JL MAG Rare-Earth on July 1 showed that net profit attributable to the parent company for H1 2026 was expected to be between 400 million yuan and 460 million yuan, up 31.17%-50.84% YoY. Regarding the reasons for the performance change, JL MAG Rare-Earth said in its announcement: 1. In H1 2026, the company's management upheld the annual operating policy of "staying law-abiding and compliant, remaining customer-oriented, focusing on the core magnetic materials business, building 20,000 mt of capacity on schedule, proactively positioning in motor rotors for embodied robots, and scaling new heights." Through technological innovation, organizational optimization, digital development, lean management, and other measures, the company made every effort to ensure delivery to customers in accordance with contracts while achieving steady development of its operating performance. The company continued to consolidate its leading position in new energy, energy conservation and environmental protection, actively expanded into emerging markets, and expects operating revenue to increase by about 30% YoY. Within this, revenue in the NEV and auto parts segment is expected to increase by about 30% YoY; revenue in the robotics and industrial servo motor segment is expected to increase by about 90% YoY, and embodied robot motor rotor products have already seen small-batch deliveries. 2. During the reporting period, the impact of non-recurring items on net profit is expected to be approximately RMB32 million, compared with after-tax non-recurring items of RMB70.9405 million in the same period last year. 3. In the current reporting period, due to A-share and H-share equity incentives and the issuance of H-share convertible bonds, related share-based payment expenses, financial expenses, and other expenses totaled approximately RMB121 million; no such expenses occurred in the same period last year. The H1 2026 results flash released by Zhong Ke San Huan on the evening of July 20 showed that, in H1, the company achieved operating revenue of RMB3,613.7721 million, up 23.67% YoY; total profit of RMB102.8001 million, up 1.18% YoY; net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company of RMB49.2189 million, up 11.88% from the same period last year; and, after deducting non-recurring items such as government subsidies, net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company excluding non-recurring items of RMB32.3035 million, up 2.25% from the same period last year. Zhong Ke San Huan's semiannual results flash showed that in H1 2026, amid increasingly intense market competition and a complex and volatile external environment, with the joint efforts of all employees, the company's core product sales volume grew YoY; through cost-reduction measures such as optimizing formulation processes and reducing heavy rare earth usage, it drove the overall gross margin up YoY. Some subsidiaries improved operations, reducing losses or turning losses into profits; meanwhile, the company further improved inventory management, optimized the inventory structure of key raw materials, and reduced asset impairment losses YoY. Affected by the appreciation of the RMB against the US dollar and the euro, the company incurred foreign exchange losses during the reporting period, and financial expenses increased YoY, partially offsetting profit growth. In H1 This Year, Pr-Nd Oxide Rose 22.42%; Dysprosium Oxide and Terbium Oxide Both Increased In H1 2026, the rare earth oxide market experienced a "sharp rise—plunge—recovery—further divergence" roller-coaster ride. Pr-Nd oxide prices were the most volatile; dysprosium oxide and terbium oxide prices first rose, then fell, and then rebounded. A review of the H1 price trends of Pr-Nd oxide, dysprosium oxide, and terbium oxide shows the following: Pr-Nd oxide's average price on June 30 was 742,500 yuan/mt, up 136,000 yuan/mt from 606,500 yuan/mt on December 31, 2025, an H1 increase of 22.42%. Meanwhile, the H1 average daily price of Pr-Nd oxide this year was 740,530.17 yuan/mt, up 3,095,771.8 yuan/mt YoY from 430,952.99 yuan/mt in H1 2025, representing a YoY increase of 71.84%. Dysprosium oxide's average price on June 30 was 1,420 yuan/kg, up 80 yuan/kg from 1,340 yuan/kg on December 31, 2025, an H1 increase of 5.97%. Comparing dysprosium oxide's average daily price of 1,394.09 yuan/kg in H1 this year with 1,660.26 yuan/kg in H1 2025 shows that its H1 average daily price fell 16.03% YoY. Terbium oxide's average price on June 30 was 6,475 yuan/kg, up 500 yuan/kg from 5,975 yuan/kg on December 31, 2025, an H1 increase of 8.37%. Comparing terbium oxide's average daily price of 6,200.26 yuan/kg in H1 this year with 6,634.62 yuan/kg in H1 2025 shows that its H1 average daily price fell 6.55% YoY. Since the start of August, the rare earth market has remained in a sideways pattern amid the tug-of-war between upstream and downstream. At present, downstream inquiry and buying interest is limited, inquiry activity remains relatively thin, overall trading sentiment is sluggish, and rare earth prices have continued to diverge: in the Pr-Nd market, affected by continued pullbacks in futures prices, some suppliers have slightly lowered their offers; medium-heavy rare earth prices have shown strong resilience and remained broadly stable. In the short term, affected by the stalemate in market trading, Pr-Nd product prices are expected to continue moving sideways. Over the medium and long term, SMM expects that the overall supply of Pr-Nd oxide in 2026 will remain on the tight side, but with new capacity gradually coming on stream in H2 and previously uncommissioned smelting and separation capacity planned to start production, pressure from a loosening supply side may emerge later on. On the demand side, rising toll-processing orders at metal plants in Inner Mongolia will provide some rigid demand support for Pr-Nd oxide. As the traditional "September-October peak season" approaches, the market holds strong expectations for downstream restocking and stockpiling, and end-use demand still has a considerable number of NEV orders to be released in H2. The industrial robot sector remains buoyant, and demand for rare earth permanent magnets is expected to show a notable YoY increase this year. Meanwhile, although emerging sectors such as humanoid robots and the low-altitude economy are developing rapidly and have ample long-term growth potential, they are still in the early stages of industry development, and their actual incremental contribution to rare earth permanent magnets remains limited for now. Whether peak-season demand expectations materialize and the pace of new capacity release will be key variables shaping rare earth market trends ahead. Views from Various Parties According to a Datong Securities research report from August 11, rare earth spot prices pulled back in the short term and downstream magnetic material enterprises were cautious in procurement. However, with supply constrained by three factors—tighter mining quotas, escalated export controls, and production cuts in scrap recycling—along with restocking demand outside China, the strategic revaluation logic had not been shaken. Overall, policy controls and demand from emerging industries drove the minor metals sector; the commodity and financial attributes of scarce resources reinforced each other, and the valuation recovery rally continued. A China Securities research report said, citing data from the General Administration of Customs, that rare earth exports fell markedly in July while average prices rose. July rare earth exports were 4,223.5 mt, down 29.54% YoY and 17.26% MoM, the lowest monthly level since March; cumulative January-July exports were 34,706.3 mt, down 10% YoY. However, the corresponding average export price was $12.34/kg, surging 103.14% YoY, with the export mix tilting toward high-value medium-heavy rare earth products. Markets outside China accepted high-priced raw materials, and the tight global rare earth supply pattern continued. There was no incremental rare earth supply for now; separation enterprises were producing steadily; previously suspended enterprises had no plans to resume production for now; downstream rigid demand provided moderate support; and long-term demand expectations were improving. Rare earth prices are expected to consolidate on a strong note in the near term. A CITIC Securities research report said that, against a backdrop of quota constraints and falling imports, rare earth supply rigidity continued to strengthen. Affected by stricter tax policies, operating rates at scrap recycling enterprises remained persistently low. Rigid-demand restocking along the industry chain, together with the approaching peak season, is expected to drive a demand recovery. Emerging fields such as robotics, the low-altitude economy, and industrial motors are expected to open up long-term demand growth. The rare earth industry's supply-demand pattern may remain tight. Driven by rising prices, H1 earnings at rare earth industry chain companies are expected to beat expectations. CITIC Securities continued to recommend the strategic allocation value of the rare earth industry chain. Recommended Reading: For more fundamental, technical, and policy information on motor raw materials such as rare earth, copper, and aluminum, please join: ~

According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on August 12, 2026, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun took questions from journalists. EFE Reporter: Reports say Chinese automaker SAIC Group plans to build its first European plant in Ferrol, Spain. Given the site’s proximity to local sensitive military and ship‑building facilities, the Spanish government is assessing the investment project from perspectives including economy, industry, employment and national security. What is China’s comment? Guo Jiakun: China has taken note of positive remarks made by Spain’s central and local governments. China is ready to further deepen practical cooperation between the two countries under the principles of mutual respect and mutual benefit. It hopes the Spanish side will provide a fair, just and non‑discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.

This week, platinum and palladium retreated after a rapid rise and then consolidated at highs. Weaker nonfarm payrolls and a mild pullback in CPI fueled a cooling of rate-hike expectations. However, the US and Iran became embroiled in a compensation dispute and the strait remained closed. Together with technical resistance and profit-taking, prices came under pressure and pulled back. Spot market quotes were marked by relative involution, and consumption remained subdued.

SMM, August 13: Metals market: As of the midday close, domestic base metals were mostly lower. SHFE copper fell 0.5%, SHFE aluminum fell 0.9%, SHFE lead rose 0.63%, SHFE zinc fell 0.27%, SHFE tin fell 0.86%, and SHFE nickel fell 0.16%. In addition, the most-traded cast aluminum futures contract fell 1.33%, the most-traded alumina contract fell 1.62%, the most-traded lithium carbonate contract was flat at 148,840 yuan/mt, the most-traded silicon metal contract fell 0.64%, and the most-traded polysilicon futures contract rose 0.75%. Ferrous metals all fell. Iron ore fell 0.14%, rebar fell 0.5%, hot-rolled coil fell 0.37%, and stainless steel fell 0.93%. Coking coal and coke: the most-traded coking coal contract fell 1.27%, and the most-traded coke contract fell 0.73%. Overseas base metals: as of 11:45, LME metals were nearly all lower. LME copper fell 0.2%, LME aluminum fell 0.89%, LME zinc fell 0.4%, LME tin fell 0.18%, LME nickel fell 0.59%, and LME lead rose 0.21%. Precious metals: as of 11:45, COMEX gold rose 0.02%, and COMEX silver fell 0.08%. Domestic precious metals: SHFE gold rose 0.34%, and the most-traded SHFE silver contract rose 0.28%. Additionally, as of the midday close, the most-traded platinum futures contract fell 0.52%, and the most-traded palladium futures contract fell 0.57%. As of the midday close, the most-traded European container shipping futures contract rose 1.75% to 1,630 points. As of 11:45 on August 13, midday quotes for selected futures: Spot and fundamentals Copper: Today, Guangdong #1 copper cathode spot prices against the front-month contract: high-quality copper was quoted at a discount of 20 yuan/mt, down 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; standard-quality copper was quoted at a discount of 120 yuan/mt, down 40 yuan/mt from the previous trading day; and SX-EW copper was quoted at a discount of 200 yuan/mt, down 60 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. The average price of Guangdong #1 copper cathode was 108,250 yuan/mt, down 160 yuan/mt from the previous trading day, and the average price of SX-EW copper was 108,100 yuan/mt, down 200 yuan/mt from the previous trading day. Spot market: Guangdong inventories fell for two consecutive days, with arrivals declining and warehouse withdrawals increasing slightly... Macro front China: [China Is Formulating a New Round of Action Plans for Continuous Air Quality Improvement] The State Council Information Office held a themed press conference today (13th) in the series "Opening and Starting the '15th Five-Year Plan'." At the press conference, it was noted that China has made gratifying progress in air pollution control, but there is still no room for complacency or letting up; patience and resolve must be maintained. Currently, a new round of action plans for the continuous improvement of air quality is being expedited, and the battle to keep skies blue will focus on being "higher, more precise, and more scientific." (CCTV News) [Cumulative Trading Volume of the National Carbon Emissions Trading Market Tops 900 Million mt] Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment, said at the "Launching the 15th Five-Year Plan" press conference series held by the State Council Information Office on August 13 that by the end of July, cumulative trading volume in the national carbon emissions trading market had exceeded 930 million mt, effectively promoting the green and low-carbon transition while driving low-cost carbon reduction across industries. (Xinhua News Agency) [Shanghai: Promote Issuance of "Computing Power Vouchers," "Model Vouchers," and "Corpus Vouchers" to Reduce the Cost of Using Digital Factors Such as Public Data, Computing Power, Models, and Corpora] Shanghai issued the "Shanghai Action Plan for Implementing the Several Measures on Further Promoting Private Investment Development." The plan states that Shanghai will provide computing power subsidies in accordance with laws and regulations, support private enterprises in renting intelligent computing resources for the R&D, training, and application of large models, and encourage universities, research institutions, and state-owned enterprises to use data storage and computing power resources built by various market entities, including private enterprises. It will publish and dynamically update the public data opening list, support private enterprises in the in-depth development and scenario-based use of specific public data, and promote the issuance of "computing power vouchers," "model vouchers," and "corpus vouchers" to reduce the cost of using digital factors such as public data, computing power, models, and corpora. It will cultivate benchmark and platform enterprises for urban digital transformation, and guide private enterprises to participate in the construction and scenario operation of digital transformation projects in areas such as transportation, logistics, and public services. It also encourages private enterprises to build demonstration projects of new-type infrastructure such as blockchain applications and large-scale robot applications. (Jin10 Data APP) [PBOC Reverse Repo Operations Post Net Withdrawal of CNY1 Billion on the Day] The PBOC did not conduct reverse repo operations today, as CNY1 billion in 7-day reverse repos matured, resulting in a net withdrawal of CNY1 billion on the day. On the Dollar Side: As of 11:45, the US dollar index was up 0.01% at 100. US core inflation in July was mild, which likely eased pressure on the US Fed to raise interest rates. Data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday showed that, excluding volatile food and energy categories, core CPI rose 0.2% MoM in July. The YoY increase was 2.5%, matching the slowest pace since March 2021. Overall, July CPI rose 0.1% MoM and 3.4% YoY. This report indicated that the energy price shock from the Iran war continued to fade in July. As the US Fed discusses whether to raise rates at its September meeting, these figures may give the US Fed more room to weigh inflation pressures against the recent slowdown in hiring. Before the September meeting, policymakers will also see more reports on employment and inflation, while investors will closely watch a speech that Fed Chairman Warsh is expected to deliver at the annual Jackson Hole symposium later this month. US stock index futures rose, while US Treasury yields were basically flat. Investors lowered their bets on a September rate hike. According to CME "FedWatch": the probability that the US Fed will keep rates unchanged by September is 59.9%, and the probability of a cumulative 25bp rate hike is 40.1%. By October, the probability that the US Fed will keep rates unchanged is 45.3%, the probability of a cumulative 25bp rate hike is 44.9%, and the probability of a cumulative 50bp rate hike is 9.8%. (Jin10 Data App) A CITIC Securities research report said that US July CPI was fully in line with expectations, core inflation remained mild, and second-round inflation effects were modest, which helped further ease market concerns about inflation risks. We continue to believe that US inflation is not sticky, and we expect headline CPI YoY growth to generally continue its mild slowdown trend in Q3 and hit bottom in September, then rebound slightly in Q4 this year and decline rapidly in March next year. We still expect the US Fed to keep rates unchanged for the whole year, and there is further room for downward revision in rate hike expectations priced into derivatives markets. A CICC research report said that US July CPI rose 0.1% MoM on a seasonally adjusted basis and 3.4% YoY, while core CPI rose 0.2% MoM and 2.5% YoY, all in line with market expectations. Energy prices continued to pull back, but international oil prices have risen again since August, increasing uncertainty about future energy prices. On the core inflation front, goods were strong while services were weak; in particular, prices of information technology products such as computers and software continued to rise, reflecting that the supply-demand mismatch caused by AI capital spending expansion is gradually transmitting to the consumer side. We believe US inflation may have entered a new phase, with its drivers gradually shifting from supply shocks such as tariffs and oil prices to demand expansion from AI investment, and the duration of inflation may be correspondingly prolonged. For the US Fed, this data eased near-term pressure to raise rates, but compared with supply-driven inflation, demand-pull inflation requires more attention from policymakers. Other currencies: RBA Assistant Governor Kent said that Australian monetary policy is currently restrictive, the three consecutive rate hikes early this year are now weighing on the economy, and the stronger Australian dollar has further reinforced this effect. He said: "Evidence suggests that monetary policy in Australia is somewhat restrictive, and the tightening earlier this year is working. Borrowing costs have risen, mortgage repayments have increased, conditions in the established housing market have weakened, and the Australian dollar has also appreciated year-to-date." He said aggregate demand growth appears to be slowing, adding that this is what policymakers want to see and is necessary to bring inflation back to target. (Jin10 Data APP) Data Front: Today will bring the US 10-year Treasury auction high yield and bid-to-cover ratio for Aug 12, US initial jobless claims for the week ending Aug 8, US July PPI y/y and m/m, UK Q2 GDP y/y preliminary, UK June three-month GDP m/m, UK June manufacturing production m/m, UK June seasonally adjusted goods trade balance, UK June industrial production m/m, and Eurozone June industrial production m/m, among others. In addition, JD.com will hold its Q2 earnings call; 2026 FOMC voter and Cleveland Fed President Hammack will speak, and 2027 FOMC voter and Richmond Fed President Barkin will speak on the economic outlook. Crude Oil: As of 11:45, both benchmark oil prices fell, with WTI down 0.96% and Brent down 0.82%. Oil prices edged down as traders waited for signs of progress on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. On the Middle East front, there has been almost no sign of progress on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Trump said the United States has "complete control" over the waterway. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said that as the US-Iran war continues, the global oil market faces a supply shortfall of 1.8 million barrels per day this quarter, more than double its earlier forecast; the 2026 oil supply gap could reach its largest level in five years. According to the American Automobile Association, gasoline and diesel prices in the US have never been this high at this time of year. (Jin10 Data APP) Spot Market at a Glance: ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ► ►

[SMM Tin Midday Review: US July CPI at 3.4% in Line with Market Expectations, Tin Price Center Pulled Back, Stimulating Some Rigid Demand]

The EU's new End-of-Life Vehicle Regulation entered into force on August 13, introducing requirements aimed at recovering high-quality copper, aluminium, steel and rare earths from scrapped vehicles and returning them to the EU circular economy. The regulation will apply from September 2028, with treatment requirements starting in September 2029. Europe generates around 10–12 million end-of-life vehicles annually.