Energy Watch Is OPEC risking its own “taper tantrum”? Oil prices have surged recently, partly due to expectations that OPEC will extend its production cuts into next year. However, some members of the group are emphasising the need for an exit strategy... 28th March 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Watch Rice prices to come off the boil In this Commodities Watch, we will analyse supply and demand in the global rice market and explain why we think the price of Thai rice will struggle to hold on to its recent gains. 20th March 2018 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (Mar.) There was another significant rise in OPEC’s forecast of non-OPEC production in 2018, reflecting recent strong growth in the OECD. However, the cartel still expects the market to be in a deficit this... 14th March 2018 · 1 min read
Metals Watch Nickel: no shortage in sight Strong growth in China’s stainless steel output and supply disruptions have buoyed nickel prices so far this year. In this Metals Watch, we take a look at the most recent developments in both demand... 6th March 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Watch Is the rally in coal prices burning out? Coal prices have fallen back a little since the start of this year as temperatures increased and supply picked up, but they remain high. This Energy Watch examines the outlook for demand and supply... 23rd February 2018 · 1 min read
Metals Watch Prospects for iron ore remain grim The price of iron ore has been remarkably stable recently despite a slump in Chinese steel prices. In this Metals Watch, we make the case that the market is factoring in too much optimism about demand... 16th February 2018 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (Feb.) There was a significant rise in OPEC’s forecast of non-OPEC production in 2018, reflecting recent strong growth in the US. However, we still think that the cartel is underestimating growth in output... 12th February 2018 · 1 min read
Commodities Watch Are biofuels doomed? Biofuels have become an important source of demand for many agriculturals over the past decade. In this Commodities Watch, we argue that concerns about the environment and the diversion of food... 2nd February 2018 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (Jan.) Today’s report showed an unexpected rise in OPEC’s production in December, despite a dramatic decline in Venezuela’s output. At the same time, the group made a small upward revision to its... 18th January 2018 · 1 min read
Metals Watch Have we got too excited about EVs? Electric vehicle sales have skyrocketed over the past few years. As a result, the sector has become a growing source of demand for metals. In this Metals Watch, we look at the latest trends in... 11th January 2018 · 1 min read
Energy Watch China’s slowing oil imports should weigh on prices Strong Chinese demand for oil this year has helped to rebalance the market. However, a slowing economy, an increasing focus on anti-pollution measures in major cities and a reduction in strategic... 19th December 2017 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (Dec.) Today’s report showed that OPEC’s production fell again last month. However, the group also increased its expectations of non-OPEC supply growth. We think that the cartel is still being too optimistic... 13th December 2017 · 1 min read
Commodities Watch Are macro-economic factors positive for agriculturals? The weather is arguably the main determinant of agricultural commodity prices. However, there are other factors that influence prices, including the oil price, the US dollar, global growth prospects... 12th December 2017 · 1 min read
Metals Watch Copper supply not a problem, for now There has been much chatter about an imminent tightening in the copper market, partly as a result of a shortfall in supply but also because of strong demand growth associated with the green economy... 5th December 2017 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC extends output cuts by another nine months As expected, OPEC announced yesterday that it, together with Russia and some other non-OPEC producers, would be extending the output cuts by nine months until the end of 2018, with the possibility of... 1st December 2017 · 1 min read
Energy Watch OPEC likely to extend output cuts The oil market is largely expecting OPEC to extend its production deal until the end of 2018 at its meeting at the end of November. This Energy Watch will look at some of the options available to the... 27th November 2017 · 1 min read
