K-linePoet

Jinchuan Group's Shanghai ex-works price for nickel on April 1st is 138,700 yuan/ton, and the ex-works price in Jinchang is 138,200 yuan/ton, down 200 yuan/ton. (SHMET)

On April 1st, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office held a routine press conference. A reporter asked: Recently, multiple achievements in the PLA's unmanned combat system development have been disclosed, and a series of "new quality combat capabilities" equipment have been showcased, attracting widespread attention on the island. Public opinion believes that these equipment will enhance the PLA's deterrence and strike capabilities against "Taiwan independence." What is your comment on this? Spokesperson Zhang Han stated, "We are resolutely crushing all 'Taiwan independence' separatist acts and external interference, and our will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity is as solid as a rock. Our capabilities are becoming increasingly stronger." (CCTV News)

CITIC Securities report shows that by 2025, listed banks will see slight growth in revenue and profits, with a narrowing decline in net interest margins, and core revenue recovering. Loan demand remains stable, asset quality is good but risks exist. Looking ahead to 2026, revenue and profits are expected to continue improving, with the banking industry having defensive characteristics, and it is recommended to focus on high-quality targets.

International gold prices have recently experienced fluctuations and a pullback, influenced by Middle East tensions, a strengthening US dollar, and central bank sales. Although global central banks' net gold purchases in February increased significantly, some central banks' reductions are tactical moves, and the overall gold buying trend remains unchanged. The medium-term allocation value of gold remains solid.

Iran Fars News Agency reports that on the 7th, the Amir Kabir Petrochemical Plant and Arak Aluminum Plant in southwestern Iran were targeted in airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel, resulting in damage to the facilities. The Israel Defense Forces claimed that the airstrikes targeted key petrochemical facilities in the Asaluyeh area, which is an important supply hub for raw materials in Iran's missile industry.

In the early hours of the 8th local time, according to the Israeli Air Force, Israel carried out a large-scale attack on Iran’s heavy industry targets that day, and the Air Force has not yet received a government order to halt flight plans.(CCTV News)

On April 7th local time, a senior White House official revealed that Israel has agreed to join the two-week Iran ceasefire agreement announced by U.S. President Trump. Israeli officials have not responded to this at this time. (CCTV News)

Last period's main contract for asphalt on the Shanghai Futures Exchange rose over 3%, closing at 4,087 yuan per ton.

The Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced on the 8th that Iran will hold a two-week political negotiation with the United States in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, “to confirm the victory achievements obtained in ground operations.” Previously, according to Iranian media reports on the 8th, Trump said, “We have received Iran’s 10-point proposal and believe this plan is a feasible basis for negotiations.” The report also said that Trump stated, “Almost all of the past disputed issues between the U.S. and Iran have reached agreement, but these two weeks will allow the agreement to be finalized and to take effect.”(Xinhua News Agency)

Stock index futures closed at midday, with main contracts collectively falling. The main contract of the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 stock index futures (IF) declined by 0.08%, the main contract of the SSE 50 stock index futures (IH) fell by 0.38%, the main contract of the CSI 500 stock index futures (IC) dropped by 1.14%, and the main contract of the CSI 1000 stock index futures (IM) decreased by 1.11%.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian announced in the early hours of the 8th on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council that the Strait of Hormuz will achieve safe passage within two weeks. (Xinhua News Agency)

As of April 7, 2026, the world's largest silver ETF, iShares Silver Trust, holds 15,264.49 tons, unchanged from the previous trading day.

Although Trump's return to the White House raises doubts about clean energy stocks, BlackRock Chief Investment Officer Helen Jewell believes that the rally in clean energy will continue, as the Middle East war highlights the dependence on oil and gas. The S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index has increased by 61% over the past year, significantly outperforming other major indices.

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, spoke at the Security Council, strongly condemning the United States' actions regarding the Iran nuclear crisis, emphasizing respect for Iran's sovereignty, calling for a political and diplomatic solution, ensuring Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy, and accusing the Security Council of not shouldering the role of a political tool for individual countries.

On March 17th, Zhu Hexin, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, presided over an expanded Party Leadership Group meeting. The meeting emphasized the need to better respond to external shocks and challenges under the new situation. Strengthen the keen awareness of changing circumstances, establish a bottom-line thinking, improve monitoring and early warning of cross-border capital flows, and, when necessary, reinforce macroprudential management. Further improve the expectation management mechanism to maintain the stable operation of the foreign exchange market. Improve the management of foreign exchange reserves to ensure the safety, liquidity, and preservation and appreciation of reserve assets. (State Administration of Foreign Exchange)

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched the selection process for the first batch of national emerging industry development demonstration bases, involving fields such as artificial intelligence and new energy vehicles. The applicants are divided into parks and enterprises, and must demonstrate leading levels in their respective fields.

WTI crude oil falls below $96 per barrel, down 0.14% intraday.

The Iranian Supreme National Security Council issued a statement early on the 8th local time, stating that, based on the advice of the Supreme Leader and approved by the Supreme National Security Council, they accept Pakistan's ceasefire proposal. The statement said that almost all of Iran's objectives in this war have been achieved, and the enemy has "suffered a historic and thorough defeat." Iran will "continue the struggle until its great achievements are consolidated and a new security and political order is established in the region," and has decided to hold negotiations in Islamabad to determine the details, "to consolidate the victory through political negotiations within a maximum of 15 days." (CCTV News)

At the beginning of April, many small and medium-sized banks announced reductions in their deposit listing interest rates, with the decrease ranging from 5 to 30 basis points. "The 'Opening Red' period has ended, and the banking industry needs to refocus on managing liability costs. Choosing to lower deposit rates at this time can reduce deposit costs and optimize the liability maturity structure," said Wang Pengbo, Chief Analyst at Botong Consulting, to Securities Times reporters. The recent deposit rate cuts by small and medium-sized banks mainly focus on high-cost products such as three-year, five-year, and negotiated deposits. "It is expected that more small and medium-sized banks will follow suit and lower the annualized interest rates on high-cost deposit products," Wang Pengbo added. (People's Financial News)

Market panic sentiment is intensifying, and non-ferrous metals are broadly declining. Today, nickel prices briefly fell below 130k, a drop of over 4%, with only a slight rebound at the close. However, it is worth noting that due to Indonesia tightening nickel ore supply, nickel ore prices are currently rising sharply, and nickel pig iron prices are also climbing steadily. The cost support below is relatively strong, and the potential for further downward adjustment in nickel prices may be limited going forward. (First Capital Futures)