The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) experienced a significant rise month-over-month, shooting up 7.36%. The past month proved a whirlwind for the precious metal prices, with each metal reacting to shifting economic conditions and recent policy changes. Palladium: Market Uncertainty Takes Center Stage Palladium experienced a particularly volatile month. Prices initially climbed in […]
Category: Macroeconomics
Trump’s Tariffs: EU Warns of ‘Firm and Proportionate’ Counterstrike
European bodies recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to introduce tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports entering the country. Meanwhile, experts at home and abroad continue to evaluate how the trade dispute will affect steel prices and aluminum prices. The European Commission, the European Union’s executive arm, recently vowed that it would respond […]
Trade War Starts Between World’s Two Leading Economies
The so-called “Trump Tariffs” imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump caused uncertainty in the global metals market earlier in the week. Though he did pause imposing tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada for one month, there could still me plenty more chaos down the road. The current tariffs include a 25% levy on goods […]
Raw Steels MMI: Mills Push For Steel Price Increases, Tariffs on Deck
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) remained sideways, with a modest 0.78% increase from January to February. However, steel prices could still be in for significant volatility. Mills Push for Price Increases After Weak Q4 As Q4 financial results started to pour in, they reflected a challenging end to 2024. While data from Cliffs […]
Rare Earths MMI: 10% Chinese Tariff – How Much Will it Impact Rare Earths?
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held sideways from January to February, moving up a slight 2.88%. Rare earths prices have proven more volatile in the past year than other metal products like steel. Now, it seems the rare earth market could witness more volatility in 2025. President Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff […]
Greenland Is Not for Sale—but Could It Become America’s Strategic Partner?
According to media reports, President-elect Trump’s allies in The House of Representatives have proposed a bill dubbed “‘Make Greenland Great Again.” The proposed bill aims to hurry up the negotiation process with Denmark (Greenland is abundant with rare earths), following Trump’s repeated remarks about “buying” the island. If passed, it will pave the way for […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold on Its Way to Record Highs Again?
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) moved sideways from December to January, trending downward by 2.77%. Over the past month, precious metal prices in the U.S. witnessed significant fluctuations, driven by a mix of economic trends and global political developments. The increase primarily stems from speculation amongst investors regarding President Trump’s trade strategies […]
Renewables MMI: Q4 Battery Metal Results & Trump Administration Anticipated Market Shifts
The Renewables MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped by 5.47% from December to January. Overall, renewable energy materials and battery metals experienced a somewhat bullish Q4. However, weak demand within China weighed heavily on metals like lithium and copper, and many market analysts expect the incoming Trump administration to place additional bearish sentiment on renewable energy […]
Hot Rolled Coil Prices in Europe Increase: Mills Push for Revenue Recovery
Prices for hot rolled coil in Western Europe have risen further in the past month as mills seek to regain lost revenue from the declines of 2024. As the steel industry looks to 2025, this could have significant implications for prices and partnerships. “People are buying before year’s end. I’ve got several bids,” one market […]
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, […]
