SMM Evening Comments (Jan 18)

Published: Jan 18, 2018 17:54 (GMT+8)
SMM Evening Comments (Jan 18)

SHANGHAI, Jan 18 (SMM)-

Lead stood out among nonferrous metals with a 1% rise. Tin declined 1% and nickel slipped 0.43%. Copper, zinc and aluminium slid slightly.

The ferrous complex performed better. Iron ore rose 1.42% and rebar rose 1%. Coke edged up 0.74% and hot-rolled coil gained 0.55%. Coking coal gained slightly.

Copper: Copper faces a downward trend in the short term, and is expected to stay rangebound tonight. The US housing data in December may lend cues to the market tonight.

Nickel: SHFE nickel is expected to keep rangebound tonight. Housing and construction data from the US may also lend cues to the market tonight.

Aluminium: We see bearish cues both from the fundamental and technical points of view for SHFE aluminium. While it may go down to 14,500 yuan/mt in the short term, we believe the 14,300 yuan/mt level is likely in the medium term.

Zinc: Zinc saw an outflow of funds today as investors cut their positions. We expect it to trade around 26,000 yuan/mt tonight as LME zinc remained firm.

Lead: SHFE lead traded around 10-day moving average, which is expected to rangebound at current position and seek upward momentum.Lead: SHFE lead traded around 10-day moving average, which is expected to rangebound at current position and seek upward momentum.

Tin: SHFE tin dropped below the 5-20 day moving average, testing supporting strength of the 60-day moving average at 143,600 yuan/mt, which is expected to keep trading under pressure.


For editorial queries, please contact Daisy Tseng at daisy@smm.cn 
For more information on how to access our research reports, please email service.en@smm.cn 

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 for 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
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Read More
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru sees 1 million t/y copper output boost within five to six years
Peru's Energy and Mines Minister Guillermo Shinno said the country expects to add about 1 million tonnes of annual copper production within five to six years through new mining projects. The world's third-largest copper producer anticipates 2026 output of 2.5 to 2.7 million tonnes, roughly unchanged from 2023 as declining ore grades and recurring social conflicts weigh on supply. The newly elected government is seeking to reverse that stagnation by cutting red tape; in the two months since taking office, mining companies have stepped up engagement with the ministry. Shinno said officials have identified 27 permits that could be eliminated from roughly 100 mining-sector requirements, without lowering environmenta
Sep 26, 2026 01:38 (GMT+8)
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Read More
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
India copper producers seek GST cut as record prices raise working-capital burden
Indian copper producers are seeking a GST cut to 5% from 18%, citing rising working-capital requirements amid record-high copper prices.
Sep 25, 2026 20:26 (GMT+8)
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Read More
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Sulphuric Acid Shortage Emerges as a Constraint on Zambia’s Copper Growth
Zambia’s sulphuric acid shortage is becoming a growing constraint on copper production and refining. Jubilee Metals reported acid costs rising by more than 200% in Q4 FY2026, while Sable cathode output fell to 250 t from 361 t in Q3. Government data also showed small-scale copper production down 35.2% YoY in H1 2026, highlighting the sector’s exposure to tight acid availability and higher processing costs.
Sep 25, 2026 16:43 (GMT+8)