The recent surge in assaults on vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels significantly impacted global commerce and maritime pathways. These intensified attacks continue to disrupt one of the busiest trade corridors on the planet, leading to longer voyage time, increased fuel consumption, and a potential need for larger fleets. Moreover, the resulting disruptions […]
Jennifer Kary
Renewables/GOES MMI: Index Drops & Green Energy Faces Challenges
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) took a noticeable dive month-over-month, dropping by 10.41%. Indeed, neodymium, cobalt, and steel plate all suffered drops in price, making them the main culprits for the index falling. Meanwhile, the latest renewable energy news sources suggest green initiatives could be in for a rocky ride in 2024. This is […]
Construction MMI: Construction Spending Rises but Construction Index Falls
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) strayed from its sideways trend to drop 6.84% month-over-month. A drop in European commercial aluminum 1050 sheet prices was the main culprit in the index’s decline. Construction news sources indicate with steel prices finally flattening out in recent weeks, the index could face further bearish pressure. Despite this, construction […]
Automotive MMI: Vehicle Sales Rise Along With Steel Prices, Particularly Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel
The U.S. automotive industry witnessed several changes month-over-month. For one, the demand for new vehicles went up. However, steel prices, particularly hot-dipped galvanized steel, also rose along with demand. With the UAW strike over, analysts expect new vehicle manufacturing to pick up. However, new vehicle demand overall continues to battle elevated interest rates. Experts do […]
Rare Earths MMI: Prices Move Sideways Amid Potential Rare Earth Magnets Trade War
The global rare earth magnets game continues to heat up. Indeed, China, the top global rare earths supplier, seems eager to tighten its hold on the marketplace, especially with trade tensions rising between the country and the West. Meanwhile, the U.S., Australia, and many other nations continue to look for homegrown solutions to rare earths […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: Index Turns Down and Possible EV Trade War?
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) remains volatile, especially when it comes to EV battery technology. Starting in August, the index experienced sharp up-and-down movements from month to month. Indeed, between October 1 and November 1, the index dropped 4.22%. Most index components, including grain-oriented electrical steel, dropped, with only a few managing to move […]
Construction MMI: Index Remains Sideways, U.S. Construction Industry Jobs Up
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to lack strong bullish or bearish pressure month-over-month. Overall, the index only dropped by a minuscule 0.13%. Still, many factors remain at play in the construction industry, which seems to be behind the index components’ steady sideways trends. With the winter months coming, infrastructure construction will likely slow […]
Automotive MMI: UAW Strike Finally Over
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-over-month, rising in price by just 2.31%. Save for hot-dipped galvanized steel, most parts of the index also traded sideways, mainly due to a lack of strong bullish or bearish pressure. Hot-dipped galvanized proved the only outlier due to steel corporations hiking prices. However, the main headline […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Prices Cool Down
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) recently began to cool down following two months of bullish momentum. Altogether, the index dropped by about 3.39%. Many components of the index traded sideways, while some others, like praseodymium neodymium oxide, declined. That said, the index still holds the potential to move back up in the remainder […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Rise Amid Hamas/Israel War
Last month, the Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) finally broke its sideways trend, dropping 3.15%. However, after the Hamas attack on Israel, both gold and silver prices reacted strongly with dramatic increases. Furthermore, surge affected both spot precious metal prices and 3-month futures. This proved a result of investors running to these two […]
