Current situation:

• Nickel prices have risen over the past 30 days to @$7.85 per lb. ($7.12 in the last update). Warehouse levels were slightly higher this month at 244,236 tons (238,980 tons in the last update).
   
• Producer prices for stainless pipe were up month-over-month through November, rising by 0.4% M/M (up 1.3% last month); but they were down 6.7% Y/Y (down 4.7% last month).

Key factors that could affect supply or price:

• Like last month, automotive and transportation manufacturing, medical and U.S. residential housing activity continue to work as a catalyst to push prices and demand higher. Offsetting that trend is weaker corporate and institutional spending.