DAILY: China's portside thermal coal stabilizes despite tepid coastal demand

China's thermal coal prices at northern ports held steady on November 2, ending a five-session losing streak as traders cleared lower-priced cargoes that had been weighing on offers. The market nonetheless remains fragile, and mixed signals make a near-term price rebound far from assured.

On November 2, Mysteel assessed 5,500 kcal/kg NAR thermal coal flat from the last session at Yuan 1,015/tonne ($152.7/t) FOB northern ports, including VAT, ending a falling streak totalling Yuan 20/t since October 26. The 5,000 and 4,500 kcal/kg NAR grades also held flat at Yuan 913/t and Yuan