Base metals

News, prices and analysis for aluminium, copper, nickel and other base metals

Base metals like copper, aluminium, nickel and alumina are some of the world’s most frequently traded commodities. With so many forces bearing down on the base metals market, win-win outcomes for negotiations depend on the depth and breadth of your understanding of the market.

Our global coverage, prices and forecasts give you the critical insights to understand what’s driving volatility and help you minimize risk and predict future trends. Our team of market experts provides more than 150 base metals prices from across the globe to empower you with the most current market-reflective prices, historical trends and future outlooks. And, as the drive to lower carbon emissions intensifies, Fastmarkets is leading the way with low-carbon aluminium pricing launched in 2021.

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In the absence of any dominant themes at present the base metals and broader markets were mixed this morning, Friday September 11, but prices were generally on the back foot following the emergence of some weakness in recent days, especially in US tech shares.

The three-month copper price was the standout underperformer during morning trading on Thursday September 10, after a complex-wide sell-off emerged during the Asian trading session, while LME nickel futures continued to correct firmly below the $15,000-per-tonne threshold.

A rebound in the United States’ Nasdaq Composite Index on Wednesday September 9 may have underpinned broader markets, but the base metals were less convinced with most ending the day in negative territory.

Ivanhoe Mines is considering construction of a new copper smelter to treat Kamoa Kakula copper concentrates following the recent push by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to facilitate local processing of copper ore.

United States-based electric vehicle maker Tesla’s failure to be listed as an S&P 500 company led to a 20% share price fall on Tuesday September 8, that in turn led to a 4% fall in the Nasdaq index – markets are wondering whether this will be a catalyst for a broader reality check? Or just provide another dip-buying opportunity?

Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mixed during morning trading on Monday September 7, with low turnover across the Asian trading session prompting sideways trading, while an ongoing drawdown in LME copper stocks kept the red metal’s underlying price elevated.

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Our price coverage for the base metals market
Base metals prices are the foundation for important decisions within your organization. We provide more than 150 base metal prices, including industry benchmarks from across the globe. Our price coverage can help your organization to evaluate risk, optimize your purchasing strategy, negotiate in both physical and financial contracts and make the right decision every time.
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    • Copper concentrates TC implied smelters purchase, cif Asia Pacific, $/tonne
    • Copper concentrates counterparty spread, $/tonne
    • Nickel 4×4 cathode premium, in-whs Rotterdam, $/tonne

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