Industrial Metals Update Metals prices to recover, despite headwinds We remain broadly positive on the outlook for most industrial metals prices in 2015-16 as we expect demand to pick up in the second half of this year and believe that some metals in particular may... 8th July 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Stocks tread water in June Exchange stocks of some base metals are at very low levels and could be a factor boosting prices later in the year. However, stocks of copper and aluminium, in particular, remain high and will act as... 7th July 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update The only way is up for nickel prices The price of nickel has fallen by nearly 10% from last Friday, despite early signs of a pick-up in globalnickel demand. Given that we expect supply to become more constrained in the second half of... 30th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update China still controls its REE exports, despite “looser” regime Despite “loosening” its rare earths (REE) export regime, China will continue to control global supply. As such, our view remains that REE prices are unlikely to fall much further. 30th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Support for iron ore prices to wane Temporary supply bottlenecks and falling stocks at Chinese ports have prompted a rally in iron ore prices since early-April. However, supply is expected to pick up strongly, at a time of only subdued... 16th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Investors turn even more negative on PMs Over the past month, precious metal (PM) prices have dropped sharply. Gold has fared better than its peers, as lingering risks in Europe have cushioned the price from further losses. Both the... 16th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update The impact of China’s “new normal” on metals demand The sources of industrial metals demand will alter as China shifts away from investment-led growth, but demand should not collapse. Indeed, demand for metals used in consumer goods could benefit. 12th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Lower stocks to help pave way for higher prices Exchange stocks of base metals have generally been falling over the last month. Although some metal is merely being moved into off-market locations, low stocks could be an additional factor boosting... 10th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Global steel demand to struggle again this year Global growth in apparent steel usage was just 0.6% in 2014 and was concentrated in the advanced economies. Consumption in China and a number of other key emerging markets fell. As we expect China’s... 8th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Why we are positive on copper prices Copper demand is set to pick up strongly later in the year as US economic activity rebounds and policy loosening in China lifts demand there. Meanwhile, subdued mine supply growth will curb refined... 4th June 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update The devil is in the detail of Chinese trade China’s detailed trade data for April paint a broadly positive picture of industrial metals demand. Meanwhile, the export surge associated with the Qingdao port scandal, as stocks were moved into more... 26th May 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Production cuts to spur aluminium price gains Aluminium demand is strong and stocks are falling, but overproduction continues to constrain prices. However, the ongoing fall in price premiums is hurting the profitability of both producers and... 20th May 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Investors still cautious, for now Over the past month, precious metal prices have posted decent gains, led by silver. While the technical outlook is improving, investor sentiment remains broadly bearish. This suggests further price... 20th May 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update The future looks bright for cobalt Strong demand prospects will support cobalt prices in 2015-16. However, for now, the supply picture is more than comfortable suggesting only limited scope for significant price gains. 15th May 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Which commodities could be most affected by El Niño? An El Niño event does not automatically translate into higher commodity prices. Its impact on production and prices will largely depend on its strength and duration, as well as the prevailing... 14th May 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Falling stocks point to stronger demand Stocks of base metals generally fell over the last month. Admittedly, factors specific to individual commodities explained some of the inventory drawdown, but it does suggest that the markets are... 13th May 2015 · 1 min read