Tata Steel is in talks with the UK government to acquire £500 million ($630 million) in funding. The steelmaking multinational confirmed the funds would help the Port Talbot plant replace its operating blast furnaces with electric arc furnaces. The news comes as the Tata Steel share price recently reached a high for the year. “Given […]
Category: Commodities
Construction MMI: Falling Chinese Imports Weigh on Construction, Steel Prices
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metal Index) rose for the first time in five months, welcoming a 3.97% increase. However, this rise could prove deceiving as the index still faces numerous bearish sentiments. Bar fuel surcharges rising helped the index rise month-over-month, along with did aluminum bar prices. Steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, on the […]
Automotive MMI: Possible UAW Strike Could Seriously Impact Industry
Month-over-month, the Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) slid downward by 3.42%. Steel prices within the index, like hot-dipped galvanized, trended sideways. However, copper and lead fell, introducing bearish pressure. Overall, the U.S. automotive industry witnessed some dynamic changes month-over-month. More robust demand for personal transport continues to emerge as supply chains regain strength. This will […]
Tata’s Port Talbot Steel Manufacturing Plant Faces Uncertain Future, UK Pledges £500 Million Lifeline
The British government and Tata Steel remain in discussion regarding the future of the Port Talbot steel manufacturing plant. Recently, the government said they may pledge a substantial £500 million (approx. U.S. $629 million) in financial support for the South Wales facility. This may be in addition to Tata Steel India’s planned investment of £700 million […]
Rare Earths MMI: Is China Losing the Rare Earth Magnets Race?
Seeing its first significant rise in over eight months, the Rare Earths MMI welcomed a boost of 6.84% month-over-month. Indeed, Chinese production of rare earths and rare earth magnets finally appears on the rise. It’s also possible that Chinese stimulus efforts impacted prices month-on-month. Neodymium, for instance, began a rally in mid-August before slowing down […]
China’s Relentless Pursuit of Lithium Battery Materials: A Growing Powerhouse
It seems that China’s hunger for lithium remains unsatiated. Indeed, a new S&P Global report highlighted the “red dragon’s” efforts to gobble up critical minerals, including lithium battery elements, from mines across the globe. The report explained how China’s reach continues to grow in terms of minerals, particularly those critical to products that have major […]
Extraordinary Freight Rate Rebound Sparks Hope Amid Lingering Global Logistics Capacity Woes
Buyers who depend on imports for semi-finished materials or finished components will undoubtedly cheer the recent fall in freight rates. Indeed, global logistics costs peaked in late 2022. Now, buyers will soon see relief from the historic highs of the COVID-induced ocean freight-feeding frenzy. Indeed, few will shed a tear to learn that many shipping […]
Platinum’s Dramatic Reversal: Are Precious Metals Prices Poised for a Resurgence?
Since late spring, platinum prices have seen significant downward movements. Crushed by bearish price action, prices have since declined by as much as 14%. At $950 / oz, platinum breached prior lows that had previously acted as support zones. However, precious metals prices for platinum recently bounced by 10% from the most recent low, shooting […]
Is China’s Undeniable Slowdown Leading It and Metal Prices into Deflation?
Many speculate that China’s slowdown will not only undermine metal prices but also put China at risk of experiencing a Japan-style decade of deflation. A recent Financial Times article suggests that China has tried various measures to stimulate economic growth. Examples include cutting lending rates, mortgage rates, business taxes, stock-trading fees, and admission costs at […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Drop Below Support Zones
The Global Precious Metals MMI did not deviate far from its ongoing sideways trend. Indeed, since April, the index has continued to stay within a tight trading range without much movement up or down. Moreover, precious metal prices, including those for gold and silver, remain relatively high when looking at their respective price ranges over […]