Superalloy prices rose slightly across most grades on Thursday, LME Nickel prices declined.
The weekly Davis Index for Hastelloy C was flat at $4.45/lb for single truckload delivered processor yard, and the index for Hastelloy X increased to $3.07/lb from $3.04/lb delivered.
The index for Inconel 600 rose to $4.07/lb from $3.99/lb delivered processor yard, and Inconel 601 climbed to $3.23/lb from $3.14/lb delivered.
Inconel 617 increased to $3.10/lb from $3.09/lb delivered processor yard, and Inconel 625 Vac rose to $3.52/lb from $3.48/lb delivered. The index for Inconel 718 Vac was flat at $3.05/lb delivered processor yard on Thursday.
The official LME Nickel cash contract closed Thursday at $14,748/mt, decreasing by $73/mt from Wednesday.
Moving forward, processors expect superalloy prices to decline along with LME Nickel prices and demand. Some market participants reported stagnant demand for Inconel week. The upcoming US elections is adding to uncertainty in the market, which could lead to more price decreases.