Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a 1.49% rise from August to September. Following roughly two months of declines, the price of copper stabilized during August after they found a bottom on August 8. Prices saw a modest rebound following rate cut cues from the Fed. However, the rally proved short-lived, […]
Category: Commodities
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Witness Bullish Momentum
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) showed some bullish momentum month-over-month, rising by 3.74%. Except for platinum, all precious metals prices saw increases. This uptick in movement was mainly thanks to the anticipation of interest rate cuts. The USDX (U.S. Dollar Index) also weakened slightly month-over-month, which offered prices more bullish pressure. With […]
Tata Steel’s High-Stakes Bet: £500M Government-Backed Plan to Modernize Port Talbot
After signing a grant funding agreement with the UK government, Tata Steel is eyeing a 2027 start-up of two new electric arc furnaces at its Port Talbot plant in Wales. Many in the steel industry consider the switchover to be a real test for Tata, the UK government, and “green” technology. “Tata Steel has already […]
Stainless MMI: Steep Stainless Discounts as Nickel Price Rally Collapses
Overall, the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) posted slight growth, with a 3.54% rise from August to September. Nickel prices rallied throughout August, halting months of steep declines. All in all, prices rose 3.18% during the month as they found a peak on August 30. However, the rebound proved short-lived. The price of nickel collapsed […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Remain Sideways Ahead of Cuts
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a 2.34% decline from August to September. U.S. steel prices trended either sideways or down over recent weeks. HRC and CRC prices appeared to find a bottom in August but did not show enough momentum to the upside to form an uptrend. Meanwhile, HDG prices […]
Antimony and Tungsten: Is China’s Export Crackdown a Response to Global Trade Pressures?
For many years, most of the world has looked at China with some degree of trepidation where critical minerals are concerned. The reason? China currently produces about 60% of the world’s all-important rare earth metals and is responsible for roughly 90% of the refined rare earths available on the market. Now, there’s something more to […]
Renewables MMI: China’s New Decarbonization Initiatives, What it Means for Steel and Aluminum Buyers
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) finally witnessed a significant increase in price action for the first time in a year. In total, the index ascended by 9.97%, drawing fresh attention to renewable resources. The main culprit for the increase in price action was a significant rise in neodymium prices, likely in response to China’s […]
Chinese Steel & Aluminum Buyers: Brace for Oncoming Crackdown!
It has been in the works for some time now. China is finally all set to add industrial metal sectors like steel and aluminum as well as cement to its national carbon trading market. According to media reports, the change will happen by the end of 2024. Essentially, this means domestic steel, aluminum and cement […]
Construction MMI: Steel Prices Dip Further with Ongoing Steel Demand Weakness Within China
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke further out of its sideways trend, dipping by 3.61%. The main culprits driving the index down month-over-month were falling steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, compelled by weak domestic demand within China. With China’s property sector not anticipated to strengthen in the short term, steel prices could continue […]
Automotive MMI: How is China’s Excessive Steel Dumping Impacting the Automotive Industry?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways month-on-month, only rising by 0.78%. Hot dipped galvanized steel prices remained sideways, which helped to hold the index firmly in range. However, China’s recent dumping of excess steel supply into international markets could cause downward price movement and bearish sentiment for the remainder of 2024. China’s Hot-Dipped […]
