On February 25, all three major A-share indices rose more than 1%, with the STAR Composite Index gaining nearly 0.7%. Nearly 4,000 stocks advanced in the market. Benefiting from price increase catalysts, sectors such as rare earths, phosphorus chemicals, shipping, and oil and gas performed strongly.
The fertilizer and pesticide sector surged again, with Kunming Chuan Jin Nuo Chemical Co., Ltd. hitting the 20% daily limit-up. Companies including Chitianhua, Yuntianhua, Liuguo Chemical, Sierte, and Kingenta also rose by the daily limit. The price increases were driven by significant gains in mainstream products such as urea, potassium sulfate compound fertilizer, and monoammonium phosphate.
Shipping stocks collectively strengthened, with China Merchants Energy Shipping hitting three limit-ups in four days, reaching a new historical high. Companies like COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation, China Merchants Nanjing Tanker, COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, and COSCO Shipping Development also rose. In Hong Kong, COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation gained over 7%, while COSCO Shipping Development rose more than 5%. Reports indicate that spot freight rates for oil tankers have surged to their highest level in nearly six years.
Lithium battery concept stocks rallied sharply, with Hanrui Cobalt rising over 11%. Companies such as Wukuang New Energy, Nuode Shares, and Shengtun Lithium also led the gains. In Hong Kong, Tianqi Lithium increased by 4%, and Ganfeng Lithium advanced nearly 3%.
Fundamentally, lithium carbonate futures once broke through the 170,000 yuan mark today, following a more than 10% surge in the previous session—the largest single-day gain since its listing. UBS recently significantly raised its lithium price forecast, increasing the 2026 average domestic lithium carbonate price projection by 26% to 170,000 yuan per ton and predicting a further rise to 200,000 yuan per ton by 2027.
The PCB concept saw active trading, with Mingyang Circuit hitting the 20% limit-up. Earlier, Nuode Shares also rose by the daily limit, while Shenghong Technology gained over 10%. The semiconductor industry chain strengthened, with Faithrich Precision rising over 12% to a new historical high. Companies such as Youyan Silicon, Jingce Electronic, and Tuojing Technology also advanced more than 10%.
On the downside, the film and cinema concept declined again, with Hengdian Films falling by the daily limit for two consecutive sessions. Meibang Pharmaceuticals experienced a sharp intraday reversal.
In Hong Kong, AI application concept stocks plunged during the session, with MINIMAX-WP currently down over 11% and Zhipu falling nearly 5%.
In Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 Index rose 1.4% in morning trading, hitting a new historical high during the session. South Korea's KOSPI Index extended gains to 2%, also reaching a new record high. Automobile stocks surged, with Kia Motors rising over 13% and Hyundai Motor gaining more than 9%.
International gold and silver prices surged sharply. Spot silver rose over 3% intraday, while spot gold once broke through $5,190 per ounce. Meanwhile, the SDIC Silver LOF resumed trading with a significant gain, expanding to 8.73% by midday, currently quoted at 3.374 yuan.
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