MARKET TALK: LME Aluminum Tightness May Last Until March

LME aluminum in slow climb, supported by tightness on LME aluminum nearby contracts that's likely to last "at least until March," says Standard Bank; adds with cash-to-3-month backwardation near decade record at $110, February-March spread also tightening, tightness for nearby shows no signs of easing, aluminum strong enough to post gains overnight despite rise in stocks. LME 3-month aluminum quietly range-trading, last at $2,761/ton, +$3 vs London PM kerb.