Evening Market Highlights: Precious Metals Bull Run Continues! LME Copper Breaks $12,000

Stock News12-23 23:20

1. **LME Copper Hits Record High Above $12,000! Citi Warns: Could Reach $15,000 in Bullish Scenario** Importance: ★★★★★ Copper prices surged to a historic high, surpassing $12,000 per ton amid severe mine shutdowns and trade disruptions linked to former U.S. President Trump’s tariff policies. This key industrial metal is poised for its largest annual gain since 2009. On the London Metal Exchange (LME), copper rose 0.9% to $12,031.50 per ton, extending its year-to-date rally of about 37%. Investors often view copper as a barometer of global industrial activity. Market expectations suggest further price increases as traders reroute more copper to the U.S. to preempt potential tariffs. Citi Group advised clients that in a "bullish scenario" where a weaker dollar and Fed rate cuts enhance copper’s appeal, prices could hit $15,000, prompting aggressive investor inflows.

2. **China’s Autonomous Driving Enters Mass Production! Beijing Issues First L3-Level License Plates** Importance: ★★★★ On December 23, Beijing’s traffic authority issued the nation’s first L3-level autonomous driving license plates to three smart connected vehicles, marking a milestone in China’s transition from testing to mass production of self-driving cars. Ping An Securities noted that autonomous driving technology is moving toward commercialization, with acceleration expected by 2026. While current L3 models face operational limitations, regulatory approval signals progress in tech and policy, laying the groundwork for future commercialization.

3. **Record High! A股 Annual Turnover Tops 400 Trillion Yuan, 19 Stocks Exceed 1 Trillion in Trading** Importance: ★★★ For the first time in history, A股’s annual turnover surpassed 400 trillion yuan, reaching 405.87 trillion yuan by December 22, 2025. The average annual turnover rate rose to 1.74%, potentially the highest since 2016. Notably, 19 stocks each traded over 1 trillion yuan, with Zhongji Innolight, East Money, and New Eoptics leading at over 2 trillion yuan, reflecting market favor for high-growth sectors like tech finance and communications.

4. **State-Backed Venture Funds Launch with Over 120 Billion Yuan in Commitments** Importance: ★★★ Three regional venture capital funds—covering Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Greater Bay Area—were established on December 22, with combined capital of 296.46 billion, 471 billion, and 450.5 billion yuan, respectively. These funds will focus on early-stage, long-term, and hard-tech investments, aligning with national goals to attract 1 trillion yuan in social capital.

5. **Shenzhen Banks Raise Minimum Rates for Business Loans to 2.35%** Importance: ★★★ Multiple Shenzhen banks adjusted their property-backed business loan rates upward to a minimum of 2.35% (annualized), up from 2.2%, citing regulatory curbs on lower rates.

6. **U.S. Adds DJI to "Controlled List"; China Urges Reversal** Importance: ★★★ China’s Foreign and Commerce Ministries condemned the U.S. FCC’s inclusion of DJI and other non-American drones on a restricted list, calling it discriminatory and vowing protective measures if the decision stands.

7. **Stricter Rules for Food Livestreaming Sales Imminent** Importance: ★★★ China’s market regulator announced upcoming rules to hold livestream platforms, hosts, and agencies accountable for food safety risks in e-commerce broadcasts.

8. **Tesla’s European Sales Drop 12% in November as BYD Gains Share** Importance: ★★★ Tesla’s EU/UK sales fell 11.8% YoY to 22,801 units, while BYD’s surged 221.8% to 21,133 units, lifting its market share to 2%.

**Investment Opportunities Highlight**: - **Medical Devices**: The sixth national bulk-buy program for high-value consumables (e.g., drug-coated balloons) begins January 2026, with leveraged funds accumulating stocks like Zhende Medical and Micro-Tech. - **Nuclear Safety**: Reports of radiation leaks at a Japanese reactor. - **Semiconductors**: SMIC hikes prices by ~10% for some capacity. - **EV Charging**: China plans 10,000+ highway charging points by 2026. - **Elderly Care**: Shaanxi unveils measures to boost senior care consumption.

**Corporate Announcements**: - **Positive**: PowerChina secures a $6.6 billion gas project; Zhongji wins EV compressor orders. - **Negative**: Haohai Healthcare’s controlling shareholder fined $14.6 million; Hotgen plans share sell-off.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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