Commodities Update China’s oil imports to pick up from here China’s imports were weak in January-February, but commodity imports fared better. What’s more, we think crude oil imports, in particular, will pick up from here given the resurgence in travel demand. 7th March 2023 · 2 mins read
Commodities Update China’s commodity demand to rise The February PMI data out of China suggest economic growth is rebounding rapidly. While growth should moderate over the second half of year, it still points to higher metals and crude oil demand... 1st March 2023 · 2 mins read
Energy Update We are sceptical of Nigeria’s oil production promises We don’t think that the election in Nigeria on Saturday will lead to a sudden improvement in crude oil production. The oil industry’s challenges in the country are too deep-seated. But the long... 22nd February 2023 · 3 mins read
Industrial Metals Update Europe metals supply battered, but not entirely broken The sharp fall in European electricity prices sets the stage for a recovery in metals output across the region. As power prices are still historically high and unlikely to fall that much further... 22nd February 2023 · 4 mins read
Energy Update Further cuts to Russian oil production still on the table Russia’s crude oil production has, up until now, been remarkably resilient in the face of Western sanctions. But the recent announcement of a voluntary cut seems to be the first concrete sign that... 17th February 2023 · 2 mins read
Climate Economics Update Upward pressure on renewables costs to be transitory A combination of higher interest rates and rising raw material prices have interrupted the long-term declines in the costs of renewables and battery power, and could push costs up further in the near... 16th February 2023 · 3 mins read
Industrial Metals Update The impact of civil unrest in Peru on copper Anecdotal reports and high frequency data suggest that ongoing civil unrest in Peru is beginning to choke off activity at key copper mines. But, if recent history is anything to go by, output can... 15th February 2023 · 2 mins read
Energy Update Russia products ban to boost prices, at least initially The EU’s imminent ban on Russia’s refined oil may see EU prices rise, but major disruption is unlikely. Even so, Russia will find it more difficult to find new buyers for its refined oil than it did... 3rd February 2023 · 2 mins read
Precious Metals Update South Africa’s platinum group metal supply to struggle The global supply of platinum group metals is likely to be increasingly strained by electricity shortages in South Africa. This poor supply outlook is a key reason why we forecast the prices of these... 3rd February 2023 · 4 mins read
Commodities Update China metals demand unlikely to pick up soon The January survey data out of China point to a revival in oil demand, but relatively flat metals demand. This is consistent with our view that the recent rally in metals prices is a little premature... 1st February 2023 · 2 mins read
Industrial Metals Update Metals Demand Monitor (Nov.) Demand growth for industrial metals slowed sharply late last year. But attention is now geared towards the rebound in China’s metal demand. We think there is a good chance that the rebound disappoints... 27th January 2023 · 2 mins read
Commodities Update Futures Market Monitor (Jan. 2023) This is the first edition of a new monthly publication in which we will outline the latest moves in commodity futures markets and assess how they relate to our own view on fundamentals. Specifically... 25th January 2023 · 4 mins read
Industrial Metals Update Surge in copper prices on shaky footing While China’s reopening has improved the prospects for copper demand, the price has, in our view, surged by more than can be justified by developments there alone. We expect the copper price to drop... 24th January 2023 · 3 mins read
Global Economics Update Global economic fracturing in 2023 – new year, new risks The theme of global economic fracturing, which was the focus of our Spotlight Series of research last September, is at the centre of economic discussion in 2023, including at Davos. We held an online... 19th January 2023 · 6 mins read
Commodities Update Lula unlikely to herald new era for biofuels The election of left-wing candidate Lula for a third term as Brazil’s president is unlikely to accelerate Petrobras’ sluggish shift towards large scale biofuel production. We expect proposed oil... 18th January 2023 · 4 mins read
Energy Update French nuclear won’t reduce EU gas demand Output from France’s beleaguered nuclear industry jumped last month, raising hopes that a recovery is underway. However, we think any increase in France’s nuclear output this year is likely to be... 17th January 2023 · 2 mins read
