[Ferro-alloys.com] Prices for cobalt veered in opposite directions, depending on grade last week. Prices for 99.8% cobalt rose to USD13.90-14.50 per lb compared to USD13.60-14.10, but prices for 99.3% Co fell to USD13-13.50 per lb compared to USD13.25-13.75. A large slug of Russian cobalt, perhaps as much as 50 mt, was sold in several lots to traders at USD13 per lb and below, sources said. The Russian cobalt reportedly was being held in Rotterdam. At the same time, US and European consumers came into the market for 99.8% cobalt. Some of the inquiries were for significant volumes, and traders who won the businesses found that they were not encountering much competition. "We sold generic 99.8% cobalt for just under USD14," said one trader. Another trader reported a sale at over USD14.50. "Prices for high grade are definitely higher," said a supplier, "but the level of spot business still is much lower this year than in the past."