With the most recent economic data coming in hot for this month, overall financial markets presented optimistic signals. Amid futures tied to major stock indexes rallying to new highs, markets could see a significant impact on metal prices, including gold and copper prices. The S&P500 closed just over $528, and the NASDAQ composite index closed […]
Category: Commodities
GFG Alliance Explores Co-Investment and Divestment Options for Liberty’s Belgian, Luxembourg, and Italian Plants
Liberty Steel recently triggered a review of its downstream flat rolling assets in Western Europe. The firm’s parent company, GFG Alliance, said the potential steel industry shakeup stems from an expression of interest from several interested parties. “The review will evaluate Liberty’s assets in Liège (Belgium), Dudelange (Luxembourg), and Piombino (Italy) and will be facilitated […]
AngloAmerican Announces Divestment of Coal, Platinum, Nickel, and Diamonds to Focus on Core Businesses
AngloAmerican plans to divest several assets under its plans to simplify its portfolio, including coking coal. The move follows the company’s 2023 asset review, but also serves to rebuff a takeover takeover bid from Australia’s BHP. “Each asset was assessed for competitiveness and performance optimization potential and for its role in the portfolio,” AngloAmerican said […]
Renewables MMI: Problematic Dependence on China for Silicon and Solar Panels?
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued its slight downward trend month-on-month, dropping by 3.8%. Two large components of the index, silicon and cobalt prices, continue to experience drops due to lingering renewable energy supply bottlenecks from 2023. This, along with falling grain-oriented electrical steel prices, brought the index down Silicon for Solar Panels: A […]
China’s Iron Ore Imports Projected to Hit Record High Amid Global Supply Shifts
If iron ore is in the news, can China be far behind? Contrary to earlier predictions, China may end up importing a record consignment of iron ore this year. With the global iron ore price fluctuating, this could have widespread ramifications. A recent Reuters report quoted market analysts as saying that China’s ore imports this […]
Liberty Steel Reviews Future of Scunthorpe Merchant Bar Plant
Steel manufacturing giant Liberty Steel recently began consultations with unions on mothballing its merchant bar producer, Liberty Merchant Bar (LMB), in Scunthorpe. “This decision comes after a thorough review of strategic options and the challenging external conditions, especially the lack of local feedstock supply that has affected the plant’s viability,” Liberty’s parent company, GFG Alliance, […]
Outokumpu Expects Sideways Stainless Market, Promotes the Necessity for Protectionism
Speaking at the Chicago chapter of the Association of Women in the Metals Industry’s (AWMI) most recent dinner, Outokumpu Business Area Americas CEO and President Tamara Weinert highlighted the many challenges facing domestic stainless producers. She also commented on the global stainless steel price, the company’s overall outlook, and its path toward a greener future. […]
Copper MMI: Risks to the Copper Price Uptrend
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 17.36% from April to May. The copper price uptrend accelerated throughout April. Bullish momentum saw prices surge nearly 14% from the close of March. By April 29, prices pushed past the $10,000 per metric ton mark. They continued to move even higher by mid-May, with an additional […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Upward Price Action for Gold Finally Loses Steam
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) slowed its upward price action and moved sideways from April to May. All in all, the index only rose by 2.38%. Among precious metal prices, gold remains at historically high levels, while silver and palladium prices trended more sideways month-over-month. Precious Metal Prices: Gold Gold prices rallied […]
How Increased Offshore Exploration Is Redefining the Rare Earth Minerals Market
Ramped-up offshore exploration for rare earth metals and minerals, vital components in sought-after products like hybrid vehicles and smartphone screens, continues to cut into China’s long-held position as the primary global supplier. Countries like Australia, the United States, Myanmar, and even nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan continue to increase their extraction efforts. This […]
