MARKET TALK: LME Nickel Close To Record, Focus On Strike

LME nickel sticks close to record high of $38,950/ton on concern for strike stoppage at Xstrata's (XTA.LN) Sudbury operation in Canada, says Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Wage negotiations remain unresolved, likely to reconvene later Monday. Strike could start this week after more than 1,000 workers voted 98% in favor of strike mandate last week. LME 3-month nickel trades at $38,101/ton, up $51 on Friday PM kerb.