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 […]
Category: Macroeconomics
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, […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Prices Lose Steam After a Volatile 2024
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) dropped month-over-month by 7.66%. Precious metals prices showed mixed trends over the past month, shaped by central bank decisions, geopolitical uncertainties and shifts in market demand. While gold and silver continued to rise, platinum and palladium encountered declining momentum. Precious Metals Prices: Palladium Palladium prices have faced […]
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 […]
From Oil Kingdom to Mineral Titan? Inside Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Mining Revolution
Saudi Arabia is striving to strike a balance between its oil and other mineral resources with the goal of trying to keep its energy dominance intact, something it has managed to do so far with regard to oil production. According to reports, the Kingdom wants to increase the GDP contribution of its mining industry to […]
How Will the Incoming Trump Administration Impact Industrial Metal Prices?
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, the industrial metals market is poised for a number of shifts. His proposed policies, particularly concerning tariffs and infrastructure development, are expected to influence metal prices both positively and negatively. Knowledge is key in navigating tariffs and metal market fluctuations. Don’t miss out on […]
Trump’s Return: Will Tariffs and Green Tech Define the Future of HRC Prices?
Big changes seem to be coming for the steel industry in Europe and the U.S. The European Commission, the executive arm of the EU, recently put forth a masterplan for a new industrial strategy in the 27-member bloc. Mainly the work of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who now serves as special adviser to […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metals Prices Surge Pre-Election, Dip, Then Rebound
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) witnessed considerable bullish sentiment once again. Month-over-month, the index rose 6.48%. After the election, precious metals prices quickly responded to the outcome and the expected policy directions of the new Trump administration. While the index had been rising in the prior two months, prices began to decline […]
Surging Exports and Stimulus Gains: Is China’s Steel Recovery Sustainable?
Are we seeing the first offshoots of a recovery in China’s steel industry? Some media outlets report that Chinese steel output turned positive for the first time in four months. This comes in the wake of the government’s efforts to restart the domestic economy, coupled with an improvement in demand for steel. In late September, […]
