US Dollar Interest Rate Cut Expectations Rise Again, LME Lead Stops Falling and Rebounds [SMM Lead Morning Brief]

Published: Jan 17, 2025 09:01
[SMM Lead Morning News: US Interest Rate Cut Expectations Rise Again, LME Lead Stops Falling and Rebounds] SMM January 17 News: Overnight, LME lead opened at $1,937/mt, fluctuating upward throughout the day. Remarks by US officials regarding interest rate cuts weakened the US dollar index, while LME lead inventory reversed to decline...

SMM January 17 News:

Overnight, LME lead opened at $1,937/mt, fluctuating upward throughout the day. Remarks by US officials regarding an interest rate cut weakened the US dollar index, while LME lead inventory reversed to a decline. During the European session, LME lead's upward momentum strengthened, reaching a peak of $1,978/mt. By the close, LME lead settled at $1,976.5/mt, up by 2.2%.

Overnight, the most-traded SHFE lead 2502 contract opened at 16,665 yuan/mt. In early trading, SHFE lead surged to 16,700 yuan/mt, but consumption was weighed down by the Chinese New Year holiday, causing SHFE lead to give up part of its gains. In the latter half of the trading session, SHFE lead fluctuated between 16,635-16,665 yuan/mt, eventually closing at 16,645 yuan/mt, up by 0.42%. Its open interest reached 25,208 lots, a decrease of 1,862 lots compared to the previous trading day.

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
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Read More
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead Prices Stagnant, Smelters Maintain Firm Offers Amid Losses
Lead prices were in the doldrums, while secondary lead smelters maintained firm offers due to losses. The mainstream spot order ex-factory prices including tax narrowed the discount to the SMM #1 lead average price by 100 yuan/mt, shifting to a premium of 0–25 yuan/mt, with some smelters halting offers and sales.
Feb 6, 2026 19:50
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Read More
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
"Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market Slows as Holidays Approach, Smelters Halt Production"
Pre-holiday stockpiling by downstream enterprises had largely concluded, and a few had already entered the holiday period, completely suspending procurement. Next week, secondary lead smelters will enter a concentrated wave of production halts and holidays, resulting in sluggish trading activity in the spot market. Offers for spot refined lead orders were sparse, with prices moving in line with the market.
Feb 6, 2026 19:49
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Read More
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
Sluggish Transactions in Domestic Secondary Crude Lead Market, Prices at 15,250-15,400 Yuan/mt
The domestic secondary crude lead market experienced sluggish transactions. As of February 6, 2026, the ex-factory tax-exclusive offers for domestic secondary crude lead stood at 15,250-15,400 yuan/mt. Downstream refined lead and alloy smelters gradually entered the holiday period, showing weak stockpiling willingness. Overseas lead ingot suppliers basically halted transactions with China due to poor consumption in the Chinese market, with only some previously concluded shipments maintaining normal in-transit transportation. The trading atmosphere in the secondary crude lead market will continue to weaken next week.
Feb 6, 2026 19:48
US Dollar Interest Rate Cut Expectations Rise Again, LME Lead Stops Falling and Rebounds [SMM Lead Morning Brief] - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)