The London Metal Exchange (LME) nickel futures prices on August 4 increased by US$79/ton and closed at US$15,066/ton. Meanwhile, the spot price also rose by US$71/ton to US$14,865/ton. At the same time, LME-monitored inventories remained flat at 209,082 tons.

Market expectations for a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September increased following weaker employment data. At the same time, China’s authority decided to continue and enhance infrastructure policies, leading to an improvement in market sentiment.

In addition, the strengthening of China's stainless steel market further supported the continued rise in nickel prices. However, domestic demand for stainless steel in China remains weak, suggesting that nickel prices may experience short-term volatility.