Kitco, while good at determining current prices is always a day...

Kitco, while good at determining current prices is always a day behind actual inventory levels and doesn't show zinc or copper backorders.

Currently, I see headline stocks showing: 744,700

When you register and access direct data on the LME, you will see headline stocks of 742,900.

This normally means that Kitco headline stocks will drop the difference less any inflows. So Kitco should drop -1800t tomorrow with no inflow.

You can access and register for direct LME data here: LME Free Data Service

You can also see what's on backorder - 41,200t, which should drive headline stocks down to 701,700.

In addition and what's more telling about price is the forward contract prices...which show cash tonnage now at $1897 and Dec 03 tonnage at $2015 or 6.22% higher. This shows that future demand is still relatively strong but I have seen the % on backorder slow in the past month. It's come down from about 10-11% to about 6% but has also absorbed about 10,000t of inflow. This matches all the other data here I have posted regarding demand and bodes slightly better for zinc prices next year. You just have to keep on eye on backorders and future contract differentials (not cash prices so much).