With the surge in demand for electric vehicles, the need for EV batteries and battery metals such as cobalt and lithium has risen dramatically. However, can the US (along with other nations) keep up with this rising battery metal demand while maintaining recycling efficiency? It’s a good question, but it doesn’t have a simple answer. […]
Category: Commodities
Aluminum Prices Drop Sharply Amid Increasing European Challenges
A curious tug of war continues in the Aluminum industry. It remains focused on likely demand destruction due to recessionary forces, generally blamed on central banks’ rapid raising of interest rates. Of course, we’ve all watched base metals come off sharply since the end of Q1, and Aluminum has been no exception. Indeed, after peaking […]
Significant Decline in LME Stock Levels Brings Commodity Markets into the Spotlight
MetalMiner follows the LME (London Metal Exchange) very closely, as it remains the largest commodities exchange for base metal options and futures. Recently, we mentioned how the LME had quietly withdrawn its precious metals contracts due to low liquidity. However, that’s only part of the story when it comes to dwindling LME stock. Both LME […]
Coal Imports: The World is Re-Embracing Coal (For Now)
Despite the best efforts to the contrary, short-term global reliance on coal has only increased. The main reason is, of course, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Indeed, energy is getting harder and harder to come by, and most countries are falling back on reliable – if dirty – sources. How will this affect coal imports and […]
Oil Prices: Have OPEC and the IEA Gotten it Right?
Both OPEC and the International Energy Agency are predicting next year’s market to be one of the tightest in recent history. According to a Financial Times post, the two bodies have based this assumption on recovering demand in China and continued growth in India. The prediction also runs counter to widespread fears of recession. With […]
Construction MMI: Indices and Demand Decline for Another Month
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) extended its decline from last month. Altogether, the index fell 10.69% from June to July. China is Poised to Inject Big Money into Infrastructure News recently broke that China’s State Council is preparing to increase credit lines across the board, providing an additional 800 billion yuan to fund […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Plummet to 12-Month Low
Aluminum prices continue to display a macro downtrend. Shorter-term trading ranges are forming but also breaking quickly, signaling further bearish sentiment. Simultaneously, breakouts to the downside seem to indicate a lack of bullish strength and support. Altogether, the Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped by 8.06% month over month. The MetalMiner Insights platform includes global […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Fall to Lowest Since November 2020
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) dropped 10.69% between June and July. The copper price trend continues to go bearish.Copper price action continues to show massive bear trends and signals further declines. The continuous breakdown of short-term trading ranges fosters a volatile market. This leaves industrial buyers at risk of inventory value fluctuations. Spike in […]
Do Aluminum Smelter Shutdowns Impact Physical Delivery Premiums?
Soaring power costs in Europe wrecked havoc on the aluminum industry. In fact, several aluminum smelter sites have partially or temporarily shuttered this year. As most people know, power costs surged starting last year due to increasing oil and natural gas prices. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine turbo-charged this escalation. With Ukraine being a key […]
China Steel Mills Hurting, Iron Ore Prices Reeling
2022 has been a roller coaster ride for iron ore prices, which dipped yet again on Monday. Of course, demand from Chinese steel remains the top reason for either a rise or downturn in prices. This week, as it turns out, was no different. In fact, prices tumbled immediately after analysts explained their “bleak outlook” […]