The current development of the gold price continues to cause frustration for many investors. Despite the ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East and the war involving the USA and Israel against Iran, gold has so far failed to gain lasting new momentum from these events.
Mar 30, 2026 14:35Gold is likely to continue playing an important role in central banks’ reserve portfolios in 2026. According to the World Gold Council, indications suggest that not only will already active central banks remain present in the market, but new buyers may also emerge.
Mar 30, 2026 14:28Copper prices surged earlier in 2026 amid strong speculative inflows and rising futures positioning. However, physical demand has lagged, and inventories continue to build, creating a growing disconnect between financial pricing and real market fundamentals.
Mar 30, 2026 09:57[SMM Morning Meeting Summary: Support from the Macro Front Was Relatively Evident, and Tin Prices Were Expected to Maintain a Fluctuating Trend in the Short Term]
Mar 30, 2026 08:54This week, nickel prices first fell and then rose, moving sideways amid a tug-of-war between macro fluctuations and supply-side policy. Early in the week, affected by a stronger US dollar and risk-off sentiment across global commodities, LME nickel once fell below the key $17,000 level. It then rebounded on easing tensions in the Middle East and policy expectations that Indonesia planned to impose a nickel export tax. As of Friday's close, the weekly price of the most-traded SHFE nickel contract rose 3%, while the LME nickel 3M contract gained 2.4% WoW. In the spot market, the average SMM price of #1 refined nickel was 138,030 yuan/mt this week, up 1,100 yuan/mt WoW. The average Jinchuan nickel premium was 5,900 yuan/mt this week, down 1,600 yuan/mt WoW. Premiums for mainstream electrodeposited nickel brands in China ranged from -600-400 yuan/mt. Nickel plate premiums fell notably this week, and sluggish demand led to poor trading in the spot market. On the macro front, geopolitical risks continued to weigh on market risk appetite this week. According to US media reports, the US Department of Defense was formulating a "decisive lethal strike" military plan against Iran, which could include the deployment of ground forces and large-scale airstrikes. Although news of a ceasefire window had emerged earlier, risk-off sentiment did not truly fade. China's macro policy maintained a positive tone, and the pro-growth signals released at the Boao Forum boosted market confidence. Inventory side, Shanghai Bonded Zone inventory was about 1,700 mt this week, with destocking of 500 mt WoW. China's social inventory was about 90,000 mt, with an inventory buildup of about 1,300 mt WoW. Nickel prices are expected to remain in a tug-of-war between "strong cost support" and "weak actual demand" in the short term. The core trading range of the most-traded SHFE nickel contract is expected at 133,000-143,000 yuan/mt. Cost-floor support provided by Indonesian policy remains solid, but macro pressure and weak demand will limit upside room.
Mar 27, 2026 17:08Concluding our series, we shift focus to 2026's emerging NdFeB growth drivers: robotics, low-altitude economy, and electric two-wheelers. While viewed as the "second growth curve," we analyze their actual demand support amidst current macro and industry cycles to determine if they can offset traditional sector slowdowns.
Mar 27, 2026 17:01To better serve industrial clients and stay closer to the market, SMM is adding 6 new scrap copper price assessments for Japan/US regions, officially launching on 16/1/2026. 1. New Price Points Copper Scrap - East Asia - Japan Millberry CIF China - Japan Millberry CIF China Taiwan - Japan Millberry CIF Korea Copper Scrap - America - United States Millberry CIF Japan - United States No.1 Copper Material CIF Japan - United States No.2 Copper Material CIF Japan 2. SMM Price Methodology General Principles Shanghai Metals Market (hereinafter referred to as "SMM") is a completely independent third-party service provider that does not participate in any actual transactions. Instead, SMM maintains close communication with buyers and sellers as a market observer or organizer and provides related services to the market. This document sets forth the standards for SMM's East Asia and US scrap copper price assessments. The purpose of establishing these standards is to create a transparent and verifiable SMM price formation mechanism. 3. Formation of SMM East Asia and US Scrap Copper Price Assessments 3.1 Significance of the Assessments In recent years, Japan and the United States have continued to play important roles in the global scrap copper trading system. Their export prices for berry copper and copper scrap hold strong reference value for major Asian consumer markets. Due to differences in origin quality structure, trade flows, and regional demand, actual transaction prices vary across different destinations. To more accurately reflect the true price levels of Japanese and US scrap copper in cross-regional circulation, reduce information asymmetry risks, and help upstream and downstream enterprises more reasonably evaluate procurement costs and formulate trading strategies, SMM plans to add price points including Japan Berry Copper CIF China, Japan Berry Copper CIF South Korea, Japan Berry Copper CIF Taiwan China, US Berry Copper CIF Japan, US No.1 Copper CIF Japan, and US No.2 Copper CIF Japan. These will be collected according to a unified methodology and publicly released to the market for industry reference. SMM price members will be able to access relevant historical price data simultaneously. 3.2 SMM East Asia and US Scrap Copper Price Assessment Methodology 3.2.1 Product Specifications and Standards Currently, scrap copper reference standards follow ISRI standards. If changes occur, SMM will revise accordingly based on actual circumstances. 3.2.2 Price Terms Prices are CIF indicative prices, expressed as a coefficient (%) unit. 3.2.3 Payment Terms Prices reflect payment conditions including TT or other conventional payment methods. 3.2.4 Quote Format and Timing Quoted prices are in range format, showing minimum and maximum prices. For example: Japan Millberry CIF China: 97.5%-98%. New price points will be assessed weekly. SMM will publish prices on the website front page at 3:30 PM on the last day of each working week. 3.2.5 Data Collection Method According to the data collection confirmation agreement, SMM price analysts will regularly collect price information from scrap copper industry contacts in Japan through telephone, WeChat, email, and other methods. This price information includes completed transaction prices and the most likely anticipated transaction prices expected by the enterprise. All instant messaging content and any face-to-face communication records will be archived telephone communication details will be recorded and entered into the database. SMM analysts must comply with the Compliance System when reporting to their supervisors any coerced or threatened communications from market participants, or any inducements attempting to influence assessments. After price publication, SMM will not make corrections or adjustments on that day. 3.2.6 Data Standardization Although SMM has standardized definitions for our prices, market transactions exist in various forms. Each transaction price is influenced by numerous factors, including order size, material brand, delivery time, payment terms, etc. SMM will comprehensively consider market quotes, bids, and transaction information and align them with our standards. We welcome more relevant enterprises along the industry chain to participate in and support SMM in better serving scrap copper industry-related enterprises. For any questions, please contact us. Shanghai Metal Market Copper Department - Aw Yong Yi Cheong Contact: +6011-25798397 Email add: awyong.yicheong@smm.cn
PriceJan 12, 2026 15:35Dear Client, To keep pace with the rapid development of the magnesium metal industry and the growing need for supply-demand pattern analysis, our company has deeply optimized the data model based on the SMM Magnesium Database and is now systematically upgrading and adjusting the data standards and historical data related to magnesium metal in China. The details are as follows: I. Data Standard Upgrades and Data Revision Notes Background of Adjustments With the rapid growth in demand for magnesium alloys in the downstream sector of magnesium metal, the market landscape is evolving rapidly. For instance, technological iterations in die-casting equipment, differences in the penetration rate of thick and thin magnesium alloy die-cast parts, and recycling rates, among other multidimensional factors, have a significant impact on the production of recycled magnesium. To promptly address the industry's need for supply-demand pattern analysis amid its rapid development, adjustments have been made to the data collection standards for "recycled magnesium production," "primary magnesium production," and "total magnesium metal demand," with historical data also being revised. Previous data collection did not account for the supply of recycled magnesium, which could lead to significant deviations in supply estimates. As the SMM Magnesium Database becomes increasingly comprehensive and detailed, a more robust model has been established. Adjustment Details - Data Source Upgrade: Upgraded from a single primary magnesium market supply and demand dataset to the establishment of a dual supply-demand model for magnesium metal, encompassing both primary and recycled sources. - Revision Scope: Historical data from January 1, 2023, to the present (including retrospective revisions and future forecasts). Effective Date From October 30, 2025 SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. SMM Magnesium Research Team Jiao Jiani 021-20707954 October 27, 2025
DataNov 4, 2025 16:36With the development of the scrap metal industry, companies are paying more attention to scrap aluminum varieties and price points across different geographical regions. To meet market demands and provide more comprehensive spot price information, SMM, after extensive market research and preliminary communication, have launched the following price points for local scrap metal prices in Malaysia and Thailand on November 3, 2025: Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Introduction to the new SMM Malaysian scrap aluminum price points: SMM, taking into account the local and international demand for overseas aluminium scrap prices primarily in Southeast Asia, and based on overseas policies and market changes, has decided to launch several price points in reflection of the Southeast Asian aluminium scrap markets and trade. The specific details are as follows: Price Point 1: Addition of Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Name and Definition : Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable), ExWorks Malaysia, including VAT, MYR/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 2: Addition of Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Name and Definition : Malaysian Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans), ExWorks Malaysia, including VAT, MYR/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 3: Addition of Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable) Name and Definition : Thai Aluminium Scrap – Talon (Aluminium Wire and Cable), ExWorks Thailand, including VAT, THB/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launced) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) Price Point 4: Addition of Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans) Name and Definition : Thai Aluminium Scrap – UBC (Used Beverage Cans), ExWorks Thailand, including VAT, THB/tonne Launch Date : November 3, 2025 (Launched) Updated Frequency : The new price point will be updated before 12:00 PM on the first working day of each week (Kuala Lumpur time) We welcome more companies from both upstream and downstream industries to participate and support SMM in better serving the new energy industry chain. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Liu Xiaolei at (+86)15021973263 or Chin Khai Yuen at (+60)124247012, or email adrian.chin@metal.com.
PriceNov 3, 2025 17:51