Commodities Update China’s PMIs point to subdued commodities demand The latest falls in China’s PMI readings underpin our view that China’s economy is entering a softer patch, which is likely to prevent any significant rebound in commodity prices in the coming months. 1st August 2018 · 1 min read
Precious Metals Update What is behind rhodium's outperformance? The price of rhodium has so far been insulated from deteriorating investor sentiment towards platinum group metals (PGMs) more generally. While rhodium is still likely to outperform its sister metals... 27th July 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Update Oil prices still have further to fall The recent drop in oil prices is consistent with our view that growth in crude demand is likely to slow sharply over the next few years while supply should be ample. We still think that prices... 17th July 2018 · 1 min read
Precious Metals Update How is gold demand faring in the wake of protectionism? A stronger dollar and lower economic growth in some of the largest consumers should have a negative impact on demand for gold, which could add to the downward pressure on prices. But for now, we still... 16th July 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Update Slower growth in China will lead to lower coal prices A slowdown in China’s economic growth over the next year combined with the ongoing rise in renewable and natural gas-fired power generation should weigh on demand for coal and reduce prices. 16th July 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update China’s commodity imports come off the boil China’s commodity import volumes were markedly lower in June. High prices could have deterred oil imports, while ongoing efforts to combat pollution curbed imports of metals and ores. Crude imports... 13th July 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Why is the Baltic Dry Index on a tear? The recent rally in the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) of freight costs is somewhat surprising given rising protectionism. However, it appears that much of the rise can be explained by robust demand for coal... 10th July 2018 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Rising protectionism poses a real threat to cobalt Profit-taking and deteriorating investor sentiment were the main drivers of the recent fall in the price of cobalt. As such, for now, we are sticking with our end-year forecast of $100,000 per tonne... 10th July 2018 · 1 min read
Precious Metals Update Gold: short-term pain, long-term gain Despite mounting trade tensions, the price of gold has slumped in recent weeks prompting some commentators to question its safe-haven appeal. While we expect gold to remain under pressure in the short... 6th July 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update What can China’s equities tell us about commodities? We do not think that the latest slump in China’s equity prices will make a meaningful difference to the country’s commodity demand. However, it does suggest that investors are coming round to our long... 3rd July 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update China’s PMIs signal weaker demand China’s unofficial and official manufacturing PMIs point to a somewhat softer economy in June. We expect further weakness ahead, which will continue to weigh on the prices of most commodities. 2nd July 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Trade tensions cast a wide net Concerns about the escalation in trade tensions and the potential negative implications for global GDP growth have sparked a sell-off in commodity markets this month. However, even if fears of a trade... 27th June 2018 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Prices to fall further The prices of industrial metals have been caught up in the general market sell-off following the ramping up of trade tensions between the US and China. We expect prices to continue to trend lower over... 21st June 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Update Will tariffs dampen oil demand? The retaliatory tariffs which China has threatened to impose on oil imports from the US would not in themselves change the balance of supply and demand in global oil markets. But if China chooses to... 18th June 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Update Oil and coal prices to fall, but gas to remain strong We think that differing outlooks for demand will cause the prices of energy commodities to diverge over the rest of this year, despite their recent close correlation. 14th June 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Lower production to support grains prices Adverse weather this year has prompted us to revise down our estimates of the forthcoming global grain and soybean harvests. Stocks remain at comfortable levels, but we have also nudged up our price... 14th June 2018 · 1 min read
