Base metal prices ended mixed as aluminium and nickel prices ended higher while the other metals ended with losses of one to two percent. Concerns about Italy and Greece continue to weigh on markets thereby weighing on metal prices.
US trade deficit data came in slightly better than expected and jobless claims continue to remain below the 400K mark thereby providing some respite to markets and leading to metals also paring some of the losses. Euro also recovered some of its lost ground and ended with gains of half a percent.
US equity markets ended higher with gains of nearly a percent as positive economic data outweighed the European concerns. From the Euro zone, reports indicated that former European commissioner might replace the Italian Prime Minister.
Also main political parties in Greece agreed on the coalition government headed by Papademos. All this indicated that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis. This also led to bond yields of some of the peripheral nations declining.
Taking cues, most of the Asian equity markets are trading higher though the gains remain limited. Euro is also witnessing some positive bias but trade there might remain lackluster owing to Veterans trade. In the morning session on LME, except for copper, which is trading higher with gains of more than a percent, rest all metals are trading largely flat. On the fundamental front, copper imports by China in the month of October came in at 383,507 tonnes which is at the highest level since May 2010.
From US, only Michigan confidence data is due to be released and the expectation is that some improvement might be witnessed. Overall, given the positive equities along with step being taken by European nations, the bias for metal prices remains on the higher side, however trade might remain lackluster today.
Aluminium
Aluminium stocks on London Metal Exchange witnessed draw-downs of 2,650 tonnes as against decline of 2,900 tonnes on the previous day.
Basis has been drifting lower and now stands at close to $15/tonne indicating demand for the metal might be picking up.
Copper
Copper stocks on London Metal Exchange witnessed draw-downs of 2,125 tonnes as against modest decline of 175 tonnes on the previous day.
On the fundamental front, copper imports by China in the month of October came in at 383,507 tonnes which is at the highest level since May 2010.
Lead
Lead stocks from London Metal Exchange warehouses witnessed draw-downs of 1,275 tonnes as against decline of 2,125 tonnes on the previous day.
Basis is stabilizing at close to $25/tonne which is at average levels thereby giving no clear indication about the price movement.
Nickel
Cancelled warrant ratio continues to drift lower and now it stands at close to 2.9 percent, one of the lowest among the base metal pack, indicating build-up might be witnessed in the near term.
Open interest declined by nearly 10 percent along with increase in prices by half a percent indicating unwinding of short positions.
Zinc
LME while in Indian markets the losses were limited to 1.6 percent.
Zinc stocks from London Metal Exchange witnessed draw-downs of 1,375 tonnes as against decline of 3,550 tonnes on the previous day.
Cancelled warrant ratio remains at average levels of 8 percent indicating draw-downs might continue in the near term.
Courtesy: Karvy Commtrade Ltd