Nickel
Nickel is an industrial metal that plays a key role in the production of stainless steel and electric vehicle batteries. Nickel is widely traded on global commodity exchanges, however online investing requires a solid understanding of market trends, supply and demand dynamics, and geopolitical risks. This article lists the main factors that influence nickel prices and ways to trade the industrial metal. Our traders have also ranked the top nickel brokers.
Best Nickel Brokers UK
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Established in 1974, IG is a unit of IG Group Holdings Plc, listed on the LSE as IGG. It provides access to over 17,000 markets through intuitive platforms and apps. For half a century, IG has remained an industry leader, excelling in all vital aspects for traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures, Options, Crypto, Spread Betting CFTC, NFA, FCA, BaFin, ASIC, FINMA, MAS, JFSA, FMA, DFSA, BMA Web, L2 Dealer, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist, TradingCentral, ProRealTime Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) -
Established in Poland in 2002, XTB caters to over a million clients worldwide. This forex and CFD broker offers a robust regulatory framework, a diverse range of assets, and prioritises trader satisfaction. It provides an intuitive proprietary platform equipped with excellent tools to support aspiring traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC xStation Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
Founded in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a highly esteemed forex and CFD broker with more than 830,000 clients globally. It provides access to 1,400+ instruments via platforms like MT4, MT5, cTrader, and TradingView, with competitive and clear fees. Regulated by reputable bodies such as the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, it guarantees a safe trading environment for all traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto CFDs (only Pro clients), Spread Betting FCA, ASIC, CySEC, BaFin, DFSA, SCA, SCB, CMA-Kenya Pepperstone Trading Platform, MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) -
Eightcap, an acclaimed broker regulated by the FCA, offers exceptionally low trading costs. Recognised as the top-rated brand by TradingView's vast user base of 100 million, traders can directly access the platform. UK traders can open a live account with a minimum deposit of just £100.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs in Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSC, SCB, FSA MT4, MT5, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage £100 0.01 Lots 1:30 -
eToro is a leading multi-asset platform providing trading services across numerous CFDs, stocks, and cryptocurrencies. Since its 2007 inception, it has attracted millions of traders worldwide. It operates with authorisation from top regulators such as the FCA and CySEC. Its social trading feature is especially well-regarded. Crypto investments are high-risk and possibly unsuitable for retail investors. There's a potential to lose all invested capital. Familiarise yourself with the risks. 61% of retail CFD accounts incur losses.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs FCA, CySEC, MiCA, MFSA, FSRA, ASIC, FSAS, MAS, GFSC eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $50 $10 1:30 -
Tickmill is a worldwide broker regulated by respected authorities like CySEC and FCA. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of traders, executing over 530 million trades. Its edge lies in sophisticated tools, informative resources, and competitive fees.
Instruments Regulator Platforms Forex, CFDs, stocks, indices, commodities, cryptocurrencies, futures, options, bonds FCA, CySEC, FSA, DFSA, FSCA Tickmill Webtrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $100 0.01 Lots 1:1000 -
Founded in 1989, CMC Markets is a reputable broker publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange. It holds authorisation from top-tier regulators such as the FCA, ASIC, and CIRO. The brokerage, which has received multiple awards, boasts a global membership exceeding one million traders.
Instruments Regulator Platforms CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Treasuries, Custom Indices, Spread Betting, Certificates and Warrants (Germany and Austria) FCA, ASIC, MAS, CIRO, BaFin, FMA, DFSA Web, Spectre, MT4, MT5, TradingView Min. Deposit Min. Trade Leverage $0 0.01 Lots 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
IG
XTB
Pepperstone
Eightcap
eToro
Tickmill
CMC MarketsSafety Comparison
Compare how safe the Nickel are and what features they offer to protect traders.
| Broker | Trust Rating | FCA Regulated | Negative Balance Protection | Guaranteed Stop Loss | Segregated Accounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| Tickmill | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | |
| CMC Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Payments Comparison
Compare which popular payment methods the Nickel support and whether they have trading accounts denominated in British Pounds (GBP).
| Broker | GBP Account | Debit Card | Credit Card | Neteller | Skrill | Apple Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| XTB | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Pepperstone | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Eightcap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| eToro | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Tickmill | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ |
| CMC Markets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Mobile Trading Comparison
How good are the Nickel at mobile trading using apps or other mobile interfaces.
| Broker | Mobile Apps | iOS Rating | Android Rating | Smart Watch App |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| XTB | iOS & Android | ✔ | ||
| Pepperstone | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Eightcap | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| eToro | iOS & Android | ✘ | ||
| Tickmill | ✔ | ✘ | ||
| CMC Markets | iOS & Android | ✘ |
Beginners Comparison
Are the Nickel good for beginner traders, that might want an affordable setup to get started, along with good support and educational resources?
| Broker | Demo Account | Minimum Deposit | Minimum Trade | Support Rating | Education Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| XTB | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Pepperstone | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| Eightcap | ✔ | £100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| eToro | ✔ | $50 | $10 | ||
| Tickmill | ✔ | $100 | 0.01 Lots | ||
| CMC Markets | ✔ | $0 | 0.01 Lots |
Advanced Trading Comparison
Do the Nickel offer features that allow for more advanced trading strategies?
| Broker | Automated Trading | Pro Account | Leverage | VPS | AI | Low Latency | Extended Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader, build your own on ProRealTime | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:222 (Pro) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| XTB | - | ✔ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Pepperstone | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail - UK, EU, Australia), 1:500 (Pro), 1:200 (Offshore), 1:400 (Kenya) | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Eightcap | TradingView Bots | ✘ | 1:30 | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| eToro | Automate your trades via CopyTrader - follow profitable traders. Open and close trades automatically when they do. | ✘ | 1:30 | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Tickmill | ✔ | ✘ | 1:1000 | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| CMC Markets | Expert Advisors (EAs) on MetaTrader | ✔ | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed Rating Comparison
Use this heatmap to compare our detailed ratings for all of the Nickel.
| Broker | Trust | Platforms | Mobile | Assets | Fees | Accounts | Support | Research | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IG | |||||||||
| XTB | |||||||||
| Pepperstone | |||||||||
| Eightcap | |||||||||
| eToro | |||||||||
| Tickmill | |||||||||
| CMC Markets |
Our Take On IG
"IG offers a complete package: an easy-to-use web platform, top-tier beginner education, enhanced charting via TradingView, up-to-date data, and strong trade execution for seasoned traders."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- The IG app provides an excellent mobile trading experience with an intuitive design, earning it the Runner Up position in our 'Best Trading App' award.
- The ProRealTime advanced charting platform remains free, provided traders meet modest monthly activity requirements.
- The web-based platform supports traders at every level, offering advanced charting tools and real-time market data vital for trading. Additionally, IG now includes TradingView integration.
Cons
- IG has ended its swap-free account, diminishing its attractiveness to Islamic traders.
- IG imposes a monthly inactivity fee of $12 after two years, discouraging occasional traders.
- Beginners may find IG's fees complicated, as they vary depending on the trades or services. This could cause confusion and unexpected costs.
Our Take On XTB
"XTB excels for novice traders with its superb xStation platform, minimal trading costs, no required deposit, and outstanding educational resources, many of which are fully integrated into the platform."William Berg
Reviewer
Pros
- XTB has raised interest rates on uninvested funds and introduced zero-fee ISAs (for ETFs and real shares, or 0.2% on trades over €100k) for UK clients, offering access to a wide array of markets.
- The xStation platform stands out with its user-friendly design and intuitive tools, such as adaptable news feeds, sentiment heatmaps, and a trader calculator. These features streamline the learning process for new traders.
- Top-notch customer support, available 24/5, includes a welcoming live chat with response times under two minutes during tests.
Cons
- The research tools at XTB are commendable but have the potential to excel further. Enhancing them with access to top-tier third-party services like Autochartist, Trading Central, and TipRanks would significantly elevate their offering.
- The demo account lasts only four weeks, posing a challenge for traders wanting to fully explore the xStation platform and refine short-term strategies before investing actual money.
- Trading fees are competitive, with average EUR/USD spreads of about 1 pip. However, they are not as low as the most affordable brokers, such as IC Markets. Additionally, an inactivity fee applies after a year.
Our Take On Pepperstone
"Pepperstone excels in trading with tight spreads, swift execution, and advanced charting for seasoned traders. Beginners enjoy zero minimum deposit, comprehensive educational materials, and outstanding 24/5 support, including 18-hour weekend assistance."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- Pepperstone now offers trading in pre-IPO perpetual futures, including SpaceX (SPCX.US-PERP), in select areas like the UAE.
- Support for top-tier charting platforms such as MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader. These tools accommodate different short-term trading methods, including algorithmic trading.
- Recognised customer support is accessible through phone, email, or live chat, with response times under five minutes. Service agents are friendly and well-versed in products and trading tools.
Cons
- Pepperstone has withdrawn support for key tools enhancing the trading experience for active retail traders, including Autochartist, Capitalise.ai, and a free VPS, now limited to pro traders in certain countries.
- Although the market range has expanded, crypto CFD options remain somewhat restricted, especially when compared to specialised brokers like Eightcap. Additionally, there is no facility to invest in actual cryptocurrencies.
- Execution might not appear as dependable in rapid markets as headline speeds imply. Our tests showed swift execution at targeted prices. However, community feedback highlights concerns over slippage, stop-loss fills, and order triggers sensitive to spreads amid volatility.
Our Take On Eightcap
"Eightcap excels for traders, offering diverse charting platforms, educational Labs, and AI tools. With over 120 crypto CFDs, it stands out in crypto trading and has won our 'Best Crypto Broker' award twice consecutively."William Berg
Reviewer
Pros
- Eightcap excels with a suite of advanced trading tools, such as MT4 and MT5, and has recently joined the 100-million-user social trading network, TradingView.
- Eightcap offers competitive trading with tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low commission fees. These affordable and adaptable conditions suit various strategies, including trading and scalping.
- Eightcap Challenges, the brokerage's proprietary trading firm, operates on its own platform and holds multiple regulations, eliminating third-party risks typical of white-label firms. It customises funded accounts for crypto traders, offering approximately 150 crypto pairs.
Cons
- Eightcap must enhance its range of over 800 instruments to rival top competitors like Blackbull Markets, which offers 26,000+ assets, especially improving its limited commodities selection.
- Despite a helpful array of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap lags behind IG's extensive resources for aspiring traders. IG boasts a dedicated Academy app and features 18 diverse course categories.
- The demo account is available for 30 days, after which it requires a request for extension. This is less convenient than XM's offering, which provides an unlimited demo mode.
Our Take On eToro
"eToro's social trading platform excels with its outstanding user experience and lively community chat, aiding beginners in spotting opportunities. It offers competitive fees on numerous CFDs and real stocks, alongside exceptional rewards for seasoned strategists."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- eToro now offers accounts in EUR and GBP, with recent additions of BTC and ETH payment options. This reduces conversion costs and delivers a tailored trading experience.
- eToro has launched automated crypto staking, offering a pathway to passive income. However, Ethereum requires users to opt in.
- Diverse investment portfolios are accessible, encompassing traditional markets, technology, cryptocurrency, and beyond for traders.
Cons
- There are no assured stop-loss orders, which could be a valuable risk management tool for novice traders.
- The only significant contact option, besides the in-platform live chat, is limited.
- The absence of extra charting platforms such as MT4 may deter experienced traders who rely on external software.
Our Take On Tickmill
"Tickmill stands out for traders, particularly with the Raw account, offering nearly no pip spreads and exceptionally swift order execution."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- With the Raw Spread account, spreads are remarkably tight, occasionally reaching zero pips, complemented by a clear per-trade commission. This arrangement minimises trading costs, offering a crucial benefit for frequent trades and eliminating hidden fees that erode profits.
- Drawing from our trading experience, Tickmill consistently executes orders rapidly—averaging around 59 milliseconds—with minimal slippage or requotes. This reliability ensures traders can trust their entry and exit prices without delay, safeguarding against potential costs in fast markets.
- Tickmill holds licences from regulators such as the FCA and CySEC, ensuring tangible advantages. Client funds are segregated in secure accounts, and negative balance protection is in place. This guarantees you won't owe more than your deposit, offering reassurance during market fluctuations.
Cons
- If you prefer cTrader's interface and advanced order options, you won't find them here. Tickmill utilises MetaTrader 4 and 5, TradingView, and its own platform but lacks cTrader. This may hinder those who depend on cTrader's features or tools like cTrader Copy.
- Tickmill targets forex pairs, select stock CFDs, indices, and limited commodities. If you prefer trading across diverse asset classes like cryptocurrencies or a wider array of stocks, options here are restricted versus brokers offering thousands of instruments.
Our Take On CMC Markets
"Equipped with advanced charts and a broad array of tradable CFDs, including an unmatched selection of currencies and bespoke indices, CMC Markets offers an excellent online platform for traders at any level."Tobias Robinson
Reviewer
Pros
- CMC provides competitive pricing with narrow spreads and low trading fees, except for stock CFDs. The Alpha and Price+ programmes offer additional benefits for active traders, including discounts on spreads of up to 40%.
- We upgraded its 'Assets & Markets' rating due to frequent product expansions in 2025 and 2026. These include extended hours for 5,000+ US stocks and ETFs, new share CFDs, certificates, warrants, and fractional shares in certain areas.
- The CMC web platform offers an excellent user experience, featuring advanced trading chart tools and customisable options, suitable for both novice and seasoned traders. It also supports MT4, MT5, and, from 2025, TradingView.
Cons
- The CMC Markets app provides a comprehensive trading package; however, its design and user experience lag behind market leaders such as eToro.
- Although there have been improvements, the online platform still needs further refinement to match the user-friendly trading experience offered by competitors such as IG.
- A £15 monthly inactivity fee applies after a year of no activity, possibly discouraging casual investors.
What Is Nickel Trading?
Nickel trading refers to the buying and selling of the metal, typically through online brokers.
Nickel is a silvery-white metal that is widely used in the production of stainless steel, batteries, and alloys. Nickel trading can be done through spot trades, futures and options, contracts for difference (CFDs), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more.
Physical trading involves the actual delivery of nickel, while derivatives like CFDs allow traders to simply speculate on rising or falling prices. Investing in companies involved in the production of nickel and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also allows retail investors to gain exposure to nickel prices without owning the metal.
Nickel prices can be affected by a range of factors, including global supply and demand, geopolitical events, currency fluctuations, and technological advancements that have led to increased orders for electric vehicle batteries. As a result, nickel trading can be highly volatile, presenting both opportunities and risks to online investors.
History
Nickel has been used for thousands of years, and in the mid-19th century began to be used widely in industrial applications. The first large-scale production of nickel began in the 1860s in Canada, which became the world’s leading producer.
As nickel became more important in industrial applications, its price began to fluctuate based on supply and demand. The first organised nickel exchange was established in New York in 1879, which allowed traders to buy and sell nickel contracts on a standardised exchange.
Other exchanges then offered nickel trading, including the London Metal Exchange (LME), which began trading nickel futures in 1978. Today, the LME is one of the world’s leading exchanges for nickel trading, along with other commodities like copper, aluminium, and zinc. Nickel trading has also become more accessible to individual investors through online brokers and platforms, allowing users to trade nickel from home.
The price of nickel has seen significant volatility in recent years. In Q1 of 2022, the metal increased in value by over 250% in just two days, leading to the LME intervening and suspending trades. The industrial metal hit the $100,000 per tonne threshold.
Price Chart
Impacts On Nickel Prices
Supply & Demand
The majority of nickel comes from mining, however, recycling also contributes upwards of 40% of global consumption.
The largest nickel mining and producing countries include The Philippines, Indonesia, Russia, Canada, and Australia. Logistical issues or events that impact nickel reserves in these countries can affect the price of the metal. Rising production in Indonesia, in particular, could have a notable impact on nickel prices in the future.
More than half of nickel demand comes from China. This is a significant uptick, with the country responsible for less than 20% of global demand just a decade ago. Yet as China’s economic growth has subsided in recent years, analysts are less optimistic about the future price of the industrial metal.
Changes in supply and demand can also lead to the stockpiling or hoarding of nickel, which can artificially drive up prices. Similarly, speculation in the futures markets can influence the price of nickel, especially in the short term.
Other key influences on the price of nickel at brokers include:
- Geopolitical Events – Political instability, trade tensions, and other geopolitical events can affect nickel prices. For example, changes in trade policies, tariffs, or sanctions can disrupt the supply and demand dynamics of nickel and impact its price.
- Currency Fluctuations – Since nickel is priced in US dollars, fluctuations in the value of currencies against the US dollar can impact its price. When the value of the US dollar strengthens, nickel’s price can decrease, as it becomes more expensive for buyers in other countries, such as the UK.
- Technological Advancements – Advances in technology, particularly in the electric vehicle industry, have led to increased demand for nickel, which is used in producing electric vehicle batteries. Any changes in the technology or demand for electric vehicles can therefore affect nickel prices.
- Environmental Regulations – Environmental regulations can impact the production and consumption of nickel. For example, stricter environmental regulations on mining or production processes can reduce supply, leading to higher prices.
How To Trade Nickel
The top nickel brokers offer multiple trading vehicles:
- Futures: Futures contracts allow traders to buy or sell nickel at a future date and price. Futures contracts for nickel are available on major exchanges, like the London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).
- Options: Options contracts give traders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell nickel at a specific price and time in the future. Options contracts for nickel are also available on major exchanges via online brokers and trading platforms.
- Contracts for difference (CFDs): CFDs allow traders to speculate on the price of nickel without owning the underlying asset. This is done through a contract with a broker, allowing the trader to profit from the difference between the buy and sell price. Leverage also allows traders to open much larger positions than their capital would otherwise allow.
- Stocks: Popular nickel stocks include Vale S.A., Glencore, and BHG Group. These are all large global mining firms with extensive nickel production operations. Glencore is also traded on the London Stock Exchange, making it easily accessible to UK investors.
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs): ETFs are investment funds that track the price of a basket of assets that can include nickel, alongside other metals for instance. Popular nickel ETFs include Global X Nickel Miners ETF and SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF.
- Spread betting: Spread betting is a form of betting on the price of nickel without owning the underlying metal. It is similar to CFDs, best suited to short-term trading and profits are usually tax-free in the UK.
Comparing Nickel Brokers
- Market access: Check if brokers provides access to major nickel exchanges, such as the London Metal Exchange (LME), which is a key exchange for online nickel trading.
- Trading platforms: Consider the trading platforms offered by brokers, including their user-friendliness, functionality, strategy support, and features for analysing and tracking futures nickel prices. The most popular and widely used are MT4, MT5 and cTrader, so aim to find brokers that offers one or more of these, such as Pepperstone, which offers all three.
- Trading tools: Look for nickel brokers that offer tools and resources specifically designed for nickel trading, such as real-time price charts, technical analysis tools, and news and expert analysis on the metal market and associated limits.
- Trading vehicles: Check if nickel brokers offer a range of trading vehicles, including spot, futures, options, CFDs and shares in leading nickel mining and production companies.
- Regulation and security: Ensure that nickel brokers are regulated and adheres to strict security protocols to protect client funds and personal information. For UK traders, the best nickel brokers should be regulated by the FCA, such as XTB and CMC Markets.
Pros Of Trading Nickel
- Demand: Nickel is a key component in the production of stainless steel and other industrial applications, and its demand is expected to increase with the growth of emerging economies and the expansion of the electric vehicle market.
- Liquid market: The nickel market is liquid, with high trading volumes and tight bid-ask spreads, making it easier for traders to enter and exit positions with low fees.
- Diversification: Trading nickel can offer investors a way to diversify their portfolios, as it is a non-correlated asset that can move independently of other investments.
- Access to global markets: Nickel is traded on major exchanges worldwide, providing UK investors with access to a global market and the ability to trade at any time of the day.
Cons Of Trading Nickel
- Price volatility: Nickel prices can be highly volatile, which can lead to significant losses for traders who are not adequately prepared or who take on too much risk.
- Market risks: Trading nickel involves the risks associated with commodity markets, such as supply and demand imbalances, geopolitical risks, and changes in global economic conditions.
- High leverage: Trading nickel often involves the use of leverage, which can amplify potential gains but also increase potential losses.
- Storage and transportation costs: For physical traders, storing and transporting nickel can be costly and eat into potential profits.
- Environmental concerns: The mining and production of nickel can have environmental impacts, which may lead to increased regulations and costs in the future, driving down prices.
- Currency risks: Trading nickel involves currency risks, as it is often denominated in US dollars, and changes in exchange rates can impact the profitability of trades.
Nickel Trading Hours
Nickel trading hours can vary depending on the exchange where it is traded. The London Metal Exchange (LME), the largest exchange for nickel trading, operates from Monday to Friday, with the following trading hours:
- Pre-market opening: 01:00 to 07:00 (GMT)
- Kerb trading: 07:00 to 08:00 (GMT)
- Open-outcry trading: 08:00 to 16:35 (GMT)
- Ring trading: 16:35 to 17:00 (GMT)
- Kerb trading: 17:00 to 18:00 (GMT)
Trading hours for the LME may be subject to change, particularly during public holidays or other market disruptions.
Other exchanges where nickel is traded, such as the Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE) or the Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX), may have different trading hours, depending on their location and operating hours. Nickel brokers may also set their own times based on respective exchanges.
Bottom Line On Nickel Trading
Nickel is a widely traded commodity that plays an important role in the production of stainless steel and other industrial applications, including electric vehicle batteries. The top nickel brokers offer low fees, a reliable platform and app, plus hold a license with the Financial Conduct Authority.
Use our table of leading nickel brokers to start trading.
FAQ
What Influences Nickel Prices?
The main factors that influence nickel prices include supply and demand trends in countries like Indonesia and China, its use in clean energy and electric vehicles, currency fluctuations, and global economic conditions. The top nickel brokers offer detailed market data and insights into production figures and mining companies.
How Can I Trade Nickel?
Individual investors can trade nickel through various instruments, including stocks of mining companies like Glencore and Vale S.A., contracts for difference (CFDs), exchange-traded funds (ETFs), plus futures and options. The right trading vehicle will depend on your investment horizon and financial goals.
What Are The Advantages Of Trading Nickel?
The benefits of trading nickel include diversification into base metals, high liquidity and global demand, significant volatility, and its growing application in industries like electric vehicles. Nickel can also be used to hedge against inflation.
Which Is The Best Nickel Broker?
Top-rated nickel brokers include XTB, CMC Markets and IG. These platforms are FCA-regulated and offer leveraged CFDs on the industrial metal alongside low fees. These firms have also won awards for their online trading services.
Can I Trade Nickel Outside Of Regular Market Hours?
It depends on the exchange where nickel is traded. The London Metal Exchange, for example, has specific trading hours for nickel, while other exchanges may operate on different schedules. Nickel is primarily traded between 01:00 and 07:00 (GMT), Monday to Friday.