SMM Daily Comment: Spot Lithium Carbonate Price Consolidates Higher on August 5
[SMM Daily Review: Aug 5 Spot Lithium Carbonate Prices Consolidate Higher]
Today, SMM battery-grade lithium carbonate spot price consolidated higher compared to the previous trading day. The lithium carbonate 2609 contract opened lower at 139,700 yuan/mt, briefly dipped to 138,300 yuan/mt after opening and then found support, with bulls stepping in to push prices to consolidate and rebound; in the morning session, prices fluctuated on the strong side in the 140,000-142,000 yuan/mt range, and the center gradually moved higher despite some back-and-forth; near midday, bulls and bears consolidated in a tug-of-war in the 141,500-142,500 yuan/mt range; in the afternoon, bulls continued to push, and prices consolidated higher; near the close, concentrated capital inflows drove prices quickly up to 144,300 yuan/mt, hitting an intraday high, then pulled back slightly on some profit-taking, settling around 143,200 yuan/mt, finally closing up 2.61% at 143,200 yuan/mt. Open interest decreased by 9,640 lots.
In the spot market, downstream buyers purchased as needed on dips. Some downstream buyers saw increased spot order demand as upstream lithium chemical plants' maintenance reduced long-term contract volumes; upstream lithium chemical plants remained cautious in selling spot cargoes, with those having maintenance plans focusing on securing long-term contract supplies this month, while some lithium chemical plants showed signs of loosening their intent to hold prices firm. Overall, market inquiries and actual transactions were relatively stable.