The wait-and-see tendency of the long and short sides is gradually rising, and the SS contract is under pressure and fluctuates downward [SMM stainless steel futures daily review]

Published: Mar 20, 2024 18:02
Source: SMM
In the futures market for stainless steel on March 19th, the SS2405 contract opened at 13,785 yuan per ton and closed at 13,745 yuan per ton, a decrease of 5 yuan per ton compared to the previous trading day's closing price. Intraday trading weakened compared to the previous trading day, with a decrease of 69,679 lots in trading volume and a decrease of 4,724 lots in open interest.

In the futures market for stainless steel on March 19th, the SS2405 contract opened at 13,785 yuan per ton and closed at 13,745 yuan per ton, a decrease of 5 yuan per ton compared to the previous trading day's closing price. Intraday trading weakened compared to the previous trading day, with a decrease of 69,679 lots in trading volume and a decrease of 4,724 lots in open interest. The total trading volume of the top five institutions today was 279,888 lots, a decrease of 67,709 lots. The total long position of the top five institutions was 41,768 lots, an increase of 1,473 lots, while the total short position of the top five institutions was 57,989 lots, a decrease of 489 lots. This indicates that both bulls and bears have reduced trading and are inclined to wait and see, with bulls actively closing positions. The decrease in trading volume indicates a rational closing of long positions by bulls, with no urgency but rather a pursuit of ideal prices. Therefore, the market is characterized by a gentle decline, with a high probability of sustained downward movement. The spot market saw premiums today, ranging from 55 to 255 yuan per ton, while futures prices were under pressure to decline.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
[SMM Nickel Flash] Tailings Dam Incident at  Nickel Intermediate Product Projects in Indonesian Industrial Park
Feb 20, 2026 15:07
[SMM Nickel Flash] Tailings Dam Incident at Nickel Intermediate Product Projects in Indonesian Industrial Park
Read More
[SMM Nickel Flash] Tailings Dam Incident at  Nickel Intermediate Product Projects in Indonesian Industrial Park
[SMM Nickel Flash] Tailings Dam Incident at Nickel Intermediate Product Projects in Indonesian Industrial Park
[SMM Nickel Flash] On January 18, 2026, a landslide occurred at the tailings dam of nickel intermediate product projects in Indonesian industrial park. SMM will continue to follow the specific impacts.
Feb 20, 2026 15:07
[SMM Analysis] Nickel Intermediate Product Market Experiences Holiday Stagnation, Coefficients Remain Unchanged
Feb 20, 2026 14:14
[SMM Analysis] Nickel Intermediate Product Market Experiences Holiday Stagnation, Coefficients Remain Unchanged
Read More
[SMM Analysis] Nickel Intermediate Product Market Experiences Holiday Stagnation, Coefficients Remain Unchanged
[SMM Analysis] Nickel Intermediate Product Market Experiences Holiday Stagnation, Coefficients Remain Unchanged
The nickel intermediate product market experienced a holiday-induced stagnation, with coefficients remaining unchanged.
Feb 20, 2026 14:14
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Receives 14.3M Tonnes RKAB Quota for Hengjaya Mine
Feb 19, 2026 14:37
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Receives 14.3M Tonnes RKAB Quota for Hengjaya Mine
Read More
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Receives 14.3M Tonnes RKAB Quota for Hengjaya Mine
【SMM Nickel Flash News】Nickel Industries Receives 14.3M Tonnes RKAB Quota for Hengjaya Mine
Nickel Industries Limited (NIC) has announced that its Hengjaya Mine received a significantly increased RKAB quota of 14.3 million wet metric tonnes (wmt) for 2026, up from the previous 9.0 million wmt. This approved volume is strategically allocated to supply 6.0 million wmt of saprolite to the Company’s RKEF operations at IMIP, while the remaining 8.3 million wmt will fully meet the limonite demand for the ENC HPAL project. Following the submission of final documentation, the Company plans to apply for further quota increases during the mid-year and year-end revision windows to support the ramp-up of the ENC project.
Feb 19, 2026 14:37