MARKET TALK: LME Nickel May Decline If Stocks Slip

LME 3-month nickel last at $36,000/ton, +$150 on London PM, quiet session in Asia with only 12 lots traded. Short-term outlook hinges on stock arrivals at LME today, says trader at major Japan house; "It simply depends on stock activity." Rise in stocks for 2nd consecutive day would weigh on 3-month contract, reduce backwardation, but decrease would buoy sentiment, may enable nickel to resume uptrend.