Nickel futures traded 0.79 per cent higher today as speculators built up positions, driven by pick up in spot demand and higher trend overseas.
At the Multi Commodity Exchange counter, nickel for delivery in February traded Rs 9, or 0.79 per cent higher, to Rs 1,143.60 per kg, with a trade turnover of just two lots.
Similarly, the metal for delivery in January also moved up by Rs 7.30, or 0.68 per cent, to Rs 1,131.90 per kg, with a business turnover of 11 lots.
Market analysts said besides firming trend in copper overseas, good demand for the metal at the spot markets from alloy makers, also supported the upside in nickel futures here.