$1.5 billion US is a lot of money by any measure. However, the reality is that Glencore is making so much in this climate of metal scarcity and elevated prices, they likely won’t have a hard time accommodating the fine. So when metal market news broke of their massive, three nation fine, there was not […]
Category: Commodities
European Gas Impact on Steel Prices
Steel prices and gas are the primary topics of conversation today. It seems that steel traders in China are seeking more buyers abroad for their finished steel products. Meanwhile, Russia is mulling cutting gas supplies to the EU. Gas prices have an enormous impact on steel prices. China: Lockdowns at Home, Low Demand Abroad The […]
China Demand is Sagging
The bears are back in the metal markets, and one of their prime motivators is this year’s dismal prospects for China. A note in the FT’s Unhedged today explored the country’s “impossible trilemma” of achieving 5.5% GDP growth, reaching a stable debt-to-GDP ratio, and meeting zero-COVID initiatives. When you combine this with the reality that […]
Ukraine Invasion Changes Global LNG Equation in Favor of US
Japan is reportedly actively considering extending financial support to the US to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. Incidentally, the US is already the world’s 3rd largest exporter of LNG behind Qatar and Australia. However, the country is set to play an even bigger role in global LNG production and export as the Russian market […]
Is Energy-Intensive Metals Production in Europe Coming to an End?
The extremely high natural gas prices this past winter have left many Europeans reeling. At the time, the increased costs were blamed on a shortage of Russian supplies. Today, many are wondering if the restrictions on gas exports by Russia were intentional. A reminder to Europeans of their vulnerability prior to the invasion of Ukraine, […]
Recession Fears: Could the Fed Risk Too Much Too Fast?
Of late, all talk related to the US economy seems focused on inflation. And while the Fed has continually issued statements regarding interest rates, the organization seems split on how to proceed. Moreover, concerns are rising that too much intervention too soon could actually push the economy into a recession next year. In the meantime, […]
Automotive supply chain disruptions ripple out across Europe from Russia-Ukraine war
We naturally focus on metals and energy issues when reviewing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, metals and energy are not the only commodities or products Russia and Ukraine export to the world. While neither country dominates any sector, both Russia and Ukraine play a significant enough role in certain sectors for supply chain disruption […]
Will we see $200 a barrel prices for oil?
Metals prices are all over the place, with rapid rises to record levels followed by sharp falls and considerable anxiety — anxiety that has also applied to surging oil prices. Agricultural commodities have likewise seen an unprecedented surge in prices since the war in Ukraine broke out. There is risk of unrest in parts of […]
Rising metal prices from Russia-Ukraine war could hit India the hardest among Asian countries
Many Asian economies are likely to be negatively impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, including in the form of rising metal prices. India, however, could be the Asian country that is most impacted. The MetalMiner Insights platform includes a wide variety of prices, from forms of steel to precious metals (and more) from a number […]
The MetalMiner take on initial sanctions imposed by the West on Russia
Although the West issued a new round of sanctions late on Sunday, it remains unclear what effect they will have. The new sanctions, including the prohibition of Russia flying over European airspace, as well as the funding of arms for Ukraine, came on Sunday. Nobody at MetalMiner believed the earlier sanctions through Friday would put […]
