SMM Morning Review - 2011/12/29 Zinc Market

SHANGHAI, Dec. 29 (SMM) – Italy sold EUR 9 billion ($11.8 billion) of 6-month Treasury bills at an average yield 3.251%, half the level a month ago. Boosted by the news, concerns over European debt crisis eased, but yields of 10-year Treasury bills were nearly 7%, triggering concerns. In this context, LME zinc prices inched down to close at USD 1,819/mt last Friday, down 1.99%. Trading volumes increased by 2,001 lots to 7,999 lots, and total position increased by 4,229 lots to 258,136 lots. SHFE 1203 zinc contract prices should be dragged down to move between RMB 14,500-14,800/mt today, with spot discounts expected to narrow to negative RMB 50-150/mt.