$SQM

Chile's IPSA index rose 1.81% to 10,767, reversing Monday's 1.59% drop. SQM-B (lithium) and Entel (telecom) led gains. The central bank held rates at 4.5%, citing inflation risks. The peso strengthened to 983 per dollar. IPSA remains 7.4% below its 52-week high.

Chile's lithium price fell to $16,050 per tonne on 20 October 2026, its lowest since January, according to Banco Central de Chile data. The October average was $17,513, down from $19,368 in September. Lower prices may benefit battery and car makers but reduce income for producers like Albemarle and SQM, and Chile's state revenue. Analysts cite weaker demand and potential supply increases as reasons for the decline.

Falabella's shares reached a record high on Friday, closing at 6,824.9 pesos (US$6.94), surpassing SQM's market value. The retailer's market cap grew to US$17.394 billion, while SQM's was US$16.854 billion. The rise followed a Fitch credit rating upgrade to BBB from BBB-.

The IMF reduced Chile's 2026 growth forecast to 0.6% from 2.4%, citing rising unemployment to 9.5%. This downgrade impacts copper supply and Chilean shares traded in the US, with implications for investors and US manufacturers relying on Chilean resources.

The global lithium compound market was valued at USD 9.82 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a 16.8% CAGR to USD 39.74 billion by 2034, driven by demand from electric vehicles, batteries, and industrial applications. Key growth areas include lithium carbonate and hydroxide for batteries, with significant investments in extraction and processing. Asia Pacific leads the market, with China as a major player.

The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) gained 1.55% on October 2, 2026, as China's lithium-futures market remained closed. Albemarle (ALB) fell 0.42%, while SQM (SQM) rose 0.62%. The moves were driven by positioning and long-term demand expectations, with no new trend in raw material prices.

Chile's S&P IPSA index fell 0.78% to 10,969.49 on Wednesday, its fifth straight loss, driven by weak local data. Unemployment rose to 9.6%, industrial output fell 5.7%, and copper production dropped 12.8%. The peso was steady at 972.53 per USD. Notable movers included SQM-B (-2.47%), Parque Arauco (-3.44%), and Falabella (+1.20%).

Lithium stocks fell on Monday due to rising US bond yields and a stronger dollar. Albemarle (ALB) dropped 2.13% to $107.39, and SQM (SQM) slid 2.59% to $65.16. The LIT ETF declined 1.07% to $68.28. No company-specific news was reported. Rising yields and Fed rate hike bets pressured future earnings-heavy equities, including lithium producers. China's lithium carbonate futures also fell 4.15%.

Lithium miner shares fell on September 18, 2026, led by SQM (down 5.68% to $67.72) and Albemarle (down 3.60% to $110.91). The broader LIT ETF declined 0.56% to $70.50. The drop reflects investor concerns over EV demand, not lithium price changes. SQM and Albemarle are major lithium producers in Chile, impacting regional economies.

Sociedad Quimica Y Minera De Chile SA (SQM) shares fell 5.7% to $67.72 on September 18, 2026, within a 52-week range of $40.58 to $98.00. GuruFocus' GF Value™ estimates the stock is 12.2% overvalued. SQM has a GF Score™ of 94/100, with strong profitability and growth metrics but a weaker valuation rank. Institutional investors show mixed activity, with no insider transactions in the past year.