Molybdenum--Thinner spot business leaves prices drifting sideways

摘要

Molybdenum remains untouched by the excitement in the other alloy metals, where supply shortfalls and soaring prices are capturing the headlines. If not exactly feverish, molybdenum demand looks at least adequate, supply appears sufficient and prices have been almost uncannily steady. This is not to say there haven't been mild shifts in market sentiment, but the corresponding movements in prices have been very modest. This month has seen a slightly duller tone to business in Europe, with prices showing signs of softening in a very quiet spot market. Producers and traders currently put oxide prices in the region of 33 dollars/lb. A prominent consumer recently bought several truckloads of briquettes at 33 dollars/lb flat, implying lower prices for powder. The discount for the latter has at last narrowed from the 1-1.50.1 billion dollars level which prevailed for some weeks to a more customary 25-50 cents/lb.