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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The London Metal Exchange could attract more business by simplifying its products, Jeremy Goldwyn, newly appointed md at Bands Financial, told Metal Bulletin during an interview at LME Asia Week.

Base metals prices are generally consolidating this morning, Friday May 5, after setting fresh lows intraday on Thursday.

The US copper scrap market is largely in a temporary freeze following a plunge in Comex copper prices, although while some buyers have taken to the sidelines, others are taking a proactive approach amid fears that more paper has been traded than metal.

Base metals prices are for the most part consolidating this morning, Thursday May 4, with prices down an average of 0.2% on the London Metal Exchange. Nickel prices are off the most, down 0.7% at $9,170 per tonne, while copper is little changed at $5,592 per tonne. Volume has been high with 8,448 lots traded as of 06:54 BST.

Base metals prices are down an average of 0.7% on the London Metal Exchange this morning, Wednesday May 3, with zinc, copper and lead prices down around 1%, with three-month copper prices at $5,751 per tonne, while aluminium and nickel prices are off around 0.5% and tin prices are down 0.2%. Volume has been light with 3,907 lots traded as of 06:20 BST.

Three-month base metals prices are up an average of 0.5% on the London Metal Exchange this morning, Tuesday May 2, with aluminium and lead prices slightly weaker while the rest are up between 0.3% for tin prices and 1.4% for zinc prices, with copper prices up 0.7% at $5,777 per tonne.

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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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