A familiar story is playing out in China this October, and it could have ramifications for the global iron ore price. Despite several rounds of economic stimuli not having the desired effect and the consumption of steel remaining at record lows, China is on the way to importing record volumes of iron ore this month. […]
Category: Commodities
Renewables MMI: China’s October 1st Critical Minerals Restrictions Sends Vibrations Through Renewables Industry
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) slowed down its upward price action and moved sideways, edging down by 0.12%. China Critical Minerals Restrictions Now in Full Effect On October 1, 2024, China imposed significant restrictions on the export of critical minerals, sending ripples through global markets. These minerals, including elements like gallium, germanium, and graphite, […]
Rio Tinto’s $6.7B Arcadium Lithium Acquisition Set to Transform Battery Market
Australia-headquartered multinational mining company Rio Tinto is all set to add a world-class lithium mining business to its portfolio. A few days ago, the firm announced a definitive agreement that would see the company acquire Arcadium Lithium PLC in an all-cash transaction. The reported cost is US $5.85 per share, which would put the deal […]
China’s Economic Struggles: Why Cutting Rates Isn’t Enough to Boost Steel Demand
No matter the type or amount of stimuli put in by the Chinese Government, the country’s economy is just not getting back into revival mode. Meanwhile, China’s beleaguered steel industry continues to suffer. As part of efforts to boost economic growth, China cut down its benchmark lending rates after the apex bank lowered interest rates […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Once Again Hits Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to make gains this past month, rising by 5.07%. Gold once again reached unprecedented highs, hitting $2,697 per ounce in October due to safe-haven demand spurred by economic concerns and U.S. election uncertainty. Other precious metals prices, like silver, also saw gains. Meanwhile, platinum began to […]
Jindal Group Secures European Foothold with Acquisition of Vítkovice Steel
India’s Jindal Group has acquired Czech flats producer Vítkovice Steel. The Ostrava-based company released the information to steel news outlets on October 7, stating that Jindal will acquire a 100% stake in the company from its current owners, subject to clearance from anti-monopoly authorities. “Vítkovice Steel has been cooperating with Jindal Group for more than […]
Construction MMI: Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton Leave “Path of Destruction” in U.S. Construction Industry
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways, nudging up just 2.54%. Overall, the index continues to move in its more than year-long sideways range, with metal prices remaining stagnant. While the index had a slight response to the September interest rate drop, it will take a lot more than that to generate any type […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Market Sees Mixed Headwinds
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 3.16% from September to October. Aluminum prices continued to rise throughout September, with a 5.31% increase. By October 4, the uptrend found at least a short-term peak as the price of aluminum hit its highest level since June, followed by a modest decline. Get weekly updates with expert-driven […]
Nickel Prices Surge Past $18K: Is a Stainless Steel Rebound Finally on the Horizon?
Of late, nickel prices have been on the rise. More recently, nickel hit a new three-month high on the London Metal Exchange (LME), surging past US $18,000 per metric ton. The price of this material, which is crucial for making stainless steel, has been under pressure for months. Now, it seems to be showing strong […]
ArcelorMittal’s New Ladle Furnace Powers Up for a 10% Carbon Cut
Steel industry leader ArcelorMittal recently commissioned a new, two-stand ladle furnace at its Fos-sur-Mer site in southern France. The Luxembourg-headquartered group stated that the furnace will cut carbon emissions from the flats producer by up to 10%. In an October 3 announcement, ArcelorMittal stated that each of the two stands on the new equipment can […]
