Industrial Metals Update Weakness in China’s metals imports could prove temporary China’s metals imports remained subdued in October as higher dollar prices and some further depreciation of the renminbi weighed on volumes. 25th November 2016 · 1 min read
Energy Update Growing oil demand quietly rebalancing the market The focus of oil markets over the last few months has been squarely on the potential for OPEC to cut supply. However, growth in demand will have just as big an impact on oil prices over the next year... 24th November 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response China and India’s gold imports (Oct.) The latest import data out of China and India show a mixed picture for gold demand in the two largest consumers. China’s appetite for the metal appears to have faltered in recent months. In contrast... 24th November 2016 · 1 min read
India Chart Pack Anti-corruption drive has further to run The government’s shock demonetisation announcement earlier this month was its boldest measure yet to tackle corruption and formalise large parts of the shadow economy, but it is unlikely to be the... 24th November 2016 · 1 min read
Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report A slump in net imports of crude oil and another jump in demand from refineries helped to drag down crude inventories last week. 23rd November 2016 · 1 min read
Global Markets Update Is EM FX intervention a threat to US Treasuries? More emerging market (EM) central banks may step in to support their currencies by selling reserve assets if risk appetite takes another turn for the worse. But unless China is forced into aggressive... 23rd November 2016 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update President Trump and the implications for the Middle East Two weeks on from Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential election and we’re starting to get a sense of the likely shape and priorities of his administration. The inherent contradictions in Mr... 23rd November 2016 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Focus Saudi Arabia unlikely to take strong action to boost oil prices The oil cartel, OPEC, is likely to reach some sort of face-saving deal to cut oil output at its meeting next week, but we think claims that Saudi Arabia has abandoned its strategy of protecting its... 22nd November 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response Global Steel Production (Oct.) World Steel Association (WSA) data, released this afternoon, show a 3.3% y/y rise in global steel output in October, as higher Asian output more than offset lower production at US steelmakers. After a... 21st November 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update China Industrial Metals Output Monitor (Sep./Oct.) China’s refinery output continued to grow in October, bolstered by rising prices. However, we think producers are overestimating demand, in which case production could fall back in coming months. 21st November 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response Global Aluminium Production (Oct.) According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium output rose by 1.5% y/y in October, boosted by higher y/y production in India, China and Russia. 21st November 2016 · 1 min read
Africa Economics Update Nigeria: Non-oil economy recovers a bit as oil woes continue The improved performance of Nigeria’s non-oil sector is a very positive sign. But with oil output likely to fall yet again in Q4, it is too early to call the bottom of Nigeria’s economic downturn. 21st November 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Commodities take stock After last week’s wild swings, the prices of most commodities stabilised this week. That said, positive comments from OPEC and Russian officials on the prospects for output cuts gave oil prices a... 18th November 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Weekly Inflation to rise, but interest rates to remain low Inflation is set to continue rising across Emerging Asia as the effects of past falls in oil prices drop out of the annual comparison. However, we doubt the increase will be large enough to worry most... 18th November 2016 · 1 min read
Energy Watch OPEC likely to do just enough OPEC’s next official meeting on 30th November is being viewed by the markets as a make-or-break opportunity. A strong, credible deal to cap supply could put a floor under prices and help to rebalance... 17th November 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Trump victory proves divisive Industrial metals prices were already rising ahead of Donald Trump’s election to the US Presidency, but his victory appeared to provide new grounds for optimism as markets focussed on his plans for... 17th November 2016 · 1 min read
