Latest News

London aluminium set for greatest weekly gain in four months

London aluminium rates inched higher on Friday and were poised for their most significant weekly gain because midApril, buoyed by tight supply of raw material and expectation of a U.S. rates of interest cut next month.

Three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange increased 0.2% to $2,484.50 per metric heap by 0128 GMT, while the most-traded October aluminium contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange relieved 0.1% to 19,805 yuan ($ 2,772.26) a load.

On a weekly basis, LME aluminium was up 5% and set for its best get since the week of April 15. SHFE aluminium was also set for a weekly gain.

Strong demand for alumina and tight supply of bauxite, the ore form of aluminium, have actually underpinned rates, which hit a more than six-week high of $2,531 a load on the LME on Thursday.

The discount rate of LME money aluminium to the three-month agreement << CMAL0-3 > tightened to $17.08 a load, the tiniest discount rate given that May 1, suggesting tightening close-by supply.

LME aluminium stock has dropped 22% in three months to 877,950 tons, the lowest considering that May 8.

U.S. Federal Reserve policymakers on Thursday lined up in assistance of starting interest rate cuts next month. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is due to speak later Friday.

Lower interest rates could soften the dollar and make greenback-priced metals less expensive to holders of other currencies.

LME copper increased 0.3% to $9,155.50 a ton, nickel rose 0.3% to $16,645, zinc advanced 0.5% to $ 2,871.50, lead increased 0.9% to $2,071.50 and tin was up 0.6% at $32,520.

SHFE copper relieved 0.7% to 73,480 yuan a heap, nickel dropped 0.8% to 129,180 yuan, lead shed 1.1% to 17,345 yuan, while zinc rose 0.9% to 23,865 yuan and tin edged up 0.3% to 266,900 yuan.

For the top stories in metals and other news, click or

(source: Reuters)