SMM Morning Comments (Feb 26)

Published: Feb 26, 2018 09:46
SMM Morning Comments

SHANGHAI, Feb 26 (SMM) - 

Copper: Copper is set to remain firm in the medium term as a rebound in downstream consumption provides support to the physical market and as imports of copper scrap face restrictions. We expect LME copper to trade at $7,080-7,150/mt and SHFE copper to trade at 53,000-53,600 yuan/mt today. In the physical market, smaller spot discounts are seen at 200-150 yuan/mt as downstream consumption resumes.

Aluminium: We expect LME aluminium to test the 60-day moving average and trade at $2,130-2,160/mt today. With better performance expected from SHFE aluminium, the contract is expected to remain rangebound at the five- and 20-day moving averages, trading at 14,250-14,500 yuan/mt. Spot discounts are seen at 260-220 yuan/mt.

Nickel: We expect the SHFE 1805 contract to remain firm at 103,400-105,500 yuan/mt today, as LME nickel stays rangebound and as downstream consumption faces a potential rebound post-Chinese New Year. Spot prices are expected at 103,300-104,500 yuan/mt.

Zinc: Investors remain cautious despite the LME's upward room. We expect the contract to trade at $3,475-3,520/mt today. SHFE zinc remains weak despite strong support from moving averages. As consolidation continues, we expect the contract to trade at 26,300-26,750 yuan/mt today. In the physical market, the 0# common brand is set to trade at a discount of 70-50 yuan/mt and Shuangyan brand is set to trade at a discount of 20 yuan/mt to zero.

Tin: We expect SHFE tin to be rangebound today at 147,000-148,500 yuan/mt while LME tin sees support at $21,000/mt and resistance at $22,000/mt.

Lead: SHFE lead will stay rangebound today with strong resistance at the 40-day moving average.

 


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 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
Rio Tinto Ends Takeover Talks with Glencore Again
4 hours ago
Rio Tinto Ends Takeover Talks with Glencore Again
Read More
Rio Tinto Ends Takeover Talks with Glencore Again
Rio Tinto Ends Takeover Talks with Glencore Again
On February 5th, Rio Tinto said it is no longer in takeover talks with Glencore after the parties failed to agree on terms that would deliver value to Rio shareholders, marking the third time such discussions have fallen apart (following failed approaches in 2014 and 2024). Glencore said the proposed structure— including Rio retaining the Chairman and CEO roles and a pro forma ownership split—significantly undervalued Glencore’s relative contribution, and therefore was not in Glencore shareholders’ interests. Following the announcement, Glencore shares fell as much as 10.8% while Rio’s London-listed shares were down around 2.6%. Reuters noted the setback echoes other stalled mega-deals in the mining sector, such as BHP’s failed bid for Anglo American.
4 hours ago
SMM Chinese New Year Holiday Survey on Processing Enterprises in 2026—Enamelled Wire
8 hours ago
SMM Chinese New Year Holiday Survey on Processing Enterprises in 2026—Enamelled Wire
Read More
SMM Chinese New Year Holiday Survey on Processing Enterprises in 2026—Enamelled Wire
SMM Chinese New Year Holiday Survey on Processing Enterprises in 2026—Enamelled Wire
As the Chinese New Year break approaches, the holiday schedules and production plans of enamelled wire enterprises have been largely finalized. SMM has surveyed multiple enamelled wire manufacturers, and the results are summarized as follows:
8 hours ago
What Are Brass Bar Enterprises' Expectations After the Chinese New Year?
8 hours ago
What Are Brass Bar Enterprises' Expectations After the Chinese New Year?
Read More
What Are Brass Bar Enterprises' Expectations After the Chinese New Year?
What Are Brass Bar Enterprises' Expectations After the Chinese New Year?
[SMM Brass Billet Bar] Regarding post-holiday production resumptions, brass bar enterprises generally expect a slow recovery in market demand. In the initial phase of production resumptions, the focus will be on digesting existing inventory and fulfilling a small number of orders. Large-scale raw material procurement and production are expected to be postponed until after the Lantern Festival.
8 hours ago