For now, the aluminum sector seems divided on the impact that a proposed new ban on Russian aluminum exports by the European Commission may have on the global supply chain. It is an important question, especially as aluminum prices remain locked in a sideways trend. However, price did experience a slight upsurge at the news. […]
Category: Inventory Stock Levels
Copper MMI: LME, CME Copper Prices Bifurcate as Traders Bet on U.S. Tariffs
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) trended sideways overall, with a modest 0.65% decline from December to January. Meanwhile, the price of copper continues to react to new U.S. leadership and potential changes in trade policy. Traders Bet on Higher U.S. Copper Prices Ahead of President Trump’s inauguration, Comex copper prices started to break out […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Sideways, Guinea Secures Alumina Investments
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained consolidated, falling by a modest 1.29% from December to January. Meanwhile, LME aluminum prices continued to trend sideways during the first half of January. Aluminum Prices Sideways, Midwest Premium Futures Up The aluminum market remained uncertain during the first few weeks of the new year. Less than a […]
Stainless MMI: Indonesia Looks to Support Nickel Prices
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, retreating by a modest 2.64% from December to January. All of the index’s components trended lower, weighed down by bearish nickel prices throughout the month. Indonesia to Address Nickel Supply Glut Indonesia is currently eyeing substantial output cuts after nickel prices descended beneath the $15k/mt mark. High […]
Aluminum MMI: End of China Rebates, Alumina Supply Support Aluminum Prices
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) edged lower, with a 1.23% decline from November to December. Aluminum Prices: A Year in Review 2024 began on a low note for the aluminum market, as Q4 2023 witnessed a year-over-year drop in shipments as well as average selling prices for certain domestic suppliers. In its financial results, […]
Copper MMI: Copper Prices Wrap Up 2024 Sideways, Up 7.66% from 2023
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained bearish, with a 4.65% decline from November to December. Copper Prices to Close 2024 Up, But the Outlook is Down Often a bellwether for the global economy, the price of copper became a bellwether for market emotionality throughout 2024. Despite lackluster demand conditions, copper prices embarked on […]
Global Markets Brace for Aluminum Bull Run Amid Supply Crunch
Global bauxite and aluminum prices have surged to a five-month high this month, driven by economic growth, growing supply concerns, a dip in the value of the U.S. dollar and the “China factor.” Currently, analysts predict that prices could rise further from current levels. Aluminum prices are currently about 18% higher year-on-year. Even aluminum futures […]
Stainless MMI: Falling Stainless Prices Drag Suppliers
Overall, the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) accelerated declines from the previous month, with a 3.45% drop from October to November. Following a slight increase during September, nickel prices returned bearish. Prices fell 8.72% throughout October before they found a bottom at the close of the month, making them the worst-performing base metal. Crush your […]
Myanmar’s Rare Earth Mines Seized by Rebels, Setting Stage for Global Price Spikes
“People are running around the world looking for rare earth elements.” This one sentence in the South China Morning Post, quoting James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, sums up the current rare earths situation well. Chin’s comment is even more true following the recent supply disruptions in Myanmar, which caused […]
Rare Earths MMI: Market Unstable With Multiple Supply Chain Disruptions. Are the Bulls Coming?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) saw its upward price action slow as prices experienced only a slight uptick of 0.38%. While upward price action for rare earths did lose steam month-over-month, prices could soon witness another bullish boost. Not only did China’s rare earth export ban go into effect as of October 1, […]
