EUROPEAN MORNING BRIEF 31/12: LME base metals up on trade developments; China's grade-553 silicon price flat; Chinese black tungsten conc price continues decline

Good morning from Fastmarkets MB's offices in Asia as we bring you the latest news and pricing stories on Monday December 31.

Base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange were all up during Asian morning trading on Monday amid renewed optimism in the market after US President Donald Trump reported "big progress" in trade talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Check Fastmarkets MB's live futures report here.



The fob China grade-553 silicon price was unchanged in the week ended December 28 amid thin inquiries and trades.

The black tungsten concentrate price in China continued to fall in the week to December 26, while the Chinese ammonium paratungstate and ferro-tungsten prices were flat week on week amid thin enquiries.

Indian domestic secondary billet prices rose by at least 600 rupees ($9) per tonne last week on sustained buying by long product makers and improved trading
 
Global ferrous scrap prices were mostly little-changed during the week ended Friday December 28 due to illiquid spot trading.

Gold stocks down as markets continue to new highs

TSXV Top 20 Gold market cap shifts away from exploration

Many new players enter TSXV gold Top 25 by market cap

Gold stocks mixed on moderate metal gain, flat equities

Gold stocks lead the large cap miners by far over H1/25