$3,623,000,000,000 — that is the increase of M2 money supply in 2020. By now, there should be no surprise what the effect of printing 23% of total USD has on commodity markets. Aluminum breached $3,000 per metric ton this week. Carbon steel price action is only now seeing moderate relief after what seemed to be […]
Category: Macroeconomics
Week in Review: Aluminum prices remain elevated; power costs weigh on metals producers; IEA releases World Energy Outlook
Before we head into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the week that was and the metals storylines here on MetalMiner, including aluminum prices, rising power costs and much more: Each month, MetalMiner hosts a webinar on a specific metals topic. Explore the upcoming webinars and sign up for each on the MetalMiner […]
Global Precious MMI: Gold price falls as dollar gains in September
The Global Precious Monthly Metals Index (MMI) lost ground this month, dropping by 12.9% as the gold price declined and the dollar strengthened last month. More MetalMiner is available on LinkedIn. Gold slides, dollar gains The U.S. gold bullion price fell in September, dropping from $1,814 per ounce as of Sept. 1 to $1,757 on […]
This Morning in Metals: Job openings, hires decline in August
This morning in metals news: job openings and new hires fell in August, the Census Bureau reported; steel producers in the U.K. are warning of an energy-related crisis; and, lastly, Liberty Steel received a £50 million boost that it says will preserve about 660 jobs. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – […]
Copper MMI: Copper demand doubts affect prices
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 1.7%, as the copper demand picture could be set to weaken and the LME three-month and China primary cash prices fell month over month. Want MetalMiner directly in your inbox? Sign up for weekly updates now. The Fed effect and Congress delays As the Federal Reserve prepares to […]
Commodity exchange-traded funds see large net inflows this year
Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are sometimes punted as an alternative to direct investments on metals exchanges, like the LME or CME. But in reality, it is a different kind of investor who buys ETFs, even if they are largely buying into the same metal story. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – […]
US housing starts drop 7.0% in July
Housing starts fell by 7.0% in July from the previous month, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday. With volatile steel markets, knowing which strategy to execute and when can make all the difference between saving and losing money. See how MetalMiner looks at different market scenarios. Housing starts slide in July According to the Census […]
This Morning in Metals: Steel capacity utilization reaches 85.0%
This morning in metals news: U.S. steel capacity utilization reached 85.0% for the week ending July 31; meanwhile, U.S. energy intensity has dropped by about half since 1983; and, lastly, compensation costs for U.S. civilian workers rose by 0.7% from March to June. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email […]
This Morning in Metals: Union workers at Escondida mine reject BHP contract offer
This morning in metals news: the union representing workers at the Escondida copper mine rejected BHP’s latest contract offer; meanwhile, U.S. construction spending ticked up in June; and, lastly, productivity increased in a majority of wholesale and retail trade industries last year. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email updates […]
This Morning in Metals: China raises export tariffs for steels
This morning in metals news: China opted to increase export tariffs on some steel products; meanwhile, Glencore released its first-half production results; and, lastly, U.S. personal income increased slightly in June. Want MetalMiner directly in your inbox? Sign up for weekly updates now. China boosts steel export tariffs China has raised export tariffs for some […]