Overnight the USD Index fell 0.24% to 101.12 and the S&P 500 rose 1.18%, producing a mildly supportive risk backdrop that left most critical minerals prices flat; lithium carbonate eased 0.49% to 151750 CNY/t while copper gained 0.50% to 6.172 USD/lb and uranium slipped 0.29% to 85.25 USD/lb. The principal supply-chain signal came from CATL Chairman Robin Zeng stating all-solid-state batteries remain at Technology Readiness Level 4 with mass production still targeted for 2030, alongside confirmation of 10000 sodium-ion EV packs scheduled for 2026, which removes any near-term acceleration in lithium or nickel demand from next-generation chemistries. ASX-exposed lithium and nickel names tied to spodumene SC6 at 2219 USD/t therefore face continued pricing pressure from the lack of fresh physical disruptions, with equity performance more likely to track the broader equity rally than mineral-specific catalysts.