Medium and High-grade Nickel Ore Remain in Downward Pressure in June, SMM Says

According to SMM data, on September 7, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel fell by $36/mt Ni from the previous day, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt fell by $168/mt Co. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte fell by $38/mt Ni.

[9.7 Morning Meeting Minutes] US Fed Governor Waller turned dovish, and expectations for a September rate hike cooled significantly. Waller said recent data finally showed signs of slowing inflation, and if data over the next two weeks continue this trend, he would lean toward supporting keeping rates unchanged in the 3.50%-3.75% range; but he also warned that if inflation data come in hot, a September hike remains possible. Overnight, US stocks rose for a second straight day, with the S&P 500 posting its biggest one-month gain (+1.06%) and the Dow up 1.18%, while the 10-year Treasury yield pulled back to 4.766%. The most-traded SHFE nickel contract (2610) consolidated lower in early trading and closed the morning session at 127,940 yuan/mt, down 0.60%. Waller's dovish remarks cooled expectations for a September hike, and the US dollar and Treasury yields pulled back, marginally easing macro pressure. However, overnight LME nickel edged lower against the trend and clearly underperformed copper and other base metals, while high inventory and weak demand remained unchanged, leaving nickel prices with insufficient rebound momentum. In the short term, the most-traded SHFE nickel contract is expected to trade in a range of 127,000-131,000 yuan/mt.