Three-month base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were up across the board on Friday December 7, with average gains of 0.6%. But trading remained choppy while market participants await greater direction.

Although base metals are under pressure in the short term, we have a bullish bias to our 2018 price forecasts given the supportive background of solid global economic growth and the fact that all six base metal markets look set to be in fundamental deficit this year. But each has a slightly different supply-side story and this aspect should be the main differentiator.

Aluminium prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) inched higher during Asian morning trading on Thursday October 19, supported by further winter capacity cuts in China and rising prices for alumina.

Most base metals traded on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were in positive territory during Asian morning trading on Wednesday February 7, with only lead prices weakening.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were broadly up during Asian morning trading on Thursday April 19, with nickel and aluminium leading the gains on sanction-related concerns.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were mostly firmer during morning trading on Tuesday February 27, but no significant movements are taking place.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mostly higher during Asian morning trading on Tuesday January 9, with copper prices finding slight support from potential supply-side constraints, while tin was the lone metal in negative territory.

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were mostly down during morning trading on Thursday June 6, with concerns of a global economic slowdown weighing on the complex.

Metal Bulletin’s Charlotte Radford reviews the key price moves and metal market news from the last seven days.

Nickel prices once again led the gainers on the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) in Asian morning trading on Friday October 13, supported by strong fundamentals and a weaker dollar.