A familiar story is playing out in China this October, and it could have ramifications for the global iron ore price. Despite several rounds of economic stimuli not having the desired effect and the consumption of steel remaining at record lows, China is on the way to importing record volumes of iron ore this month. […]
Category: Macroeconomics
China’s Economic Struggles: Why Cutting Rates Isn’t Enough to Boost Steel Demand
No matter the type or amount of stimuli put in by the Chinese Government, the country’s economy is just not getting back into revival mode. Meanwhile, China’s beleaguered steel industry continues to suffer. As part of efforts to boost economic growth, China cut down its benchmark lending rates after the apex bank lowered interest rates […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Once Again Hits Record Highs
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to make gains this past month, rising by 5.07%. Gold once again reached unprecedented highs, hitting $2,697 per ounce in October due to safe-haven demand spurred by economic concerns and U.S. election uncertainty. Other precious metals prices, like silver, also saw gains. Meanwhile, platinum began to […]
China’s Stimulus Sparks Copper Price Surge – Is a Long-Term Rally in Sight?
A glimmer of hope for an economic recovery in China has sent the price of copper soaring following a rekindling of interest from investors. On Monday, both zinc and copper prices hit a four-month high on the London Metal Exchange. In fact, copper prices rose on both the LME and the Shanghai Futures Exchange. Three-month […]
How Black Swan Events Impact Metal Sourcing. What Can Companies Do to Protect Their Bottom Line?
If you’ve been in the metal procurement game long enough, you’ve likely encountered unanticipated market shocks. These rare occurrences, known as “Black Swan events,” hit hard, leaving devastating consequences in their wake. From global pandemics to geopolitical conflicts, Black Swan events can cripple industrial metal markets, forcing companies to scramble to source critical materials and […]
Copper MMI: New Trends Impacting Sideways Copper Prices in 2025
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, with a 1.49% rise from August to September. Following roughly two months of declines, the price of copper stabilized during August after they found a bottom on August 8. Prices saw a modest rebound following rate cut cues from the Fed. However, the rally proved short-lived, […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Witness Bullish Momentum
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) showed some bullish momentum month-over-month, rising by 3.74%. Except for platinum, all precious metals prices saw increases. This uptick in movement was mainly thanks to the anticipation of interest rate cuts. The USDX (U.S. Dollar Index) also weakened slightly month-over-month, which offered prices more bullish pressure. With […]
Construction MMI: Steel Prices Dip Further with Ongoing Steel Demand Weakness Within China
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke further out of its sideways trend, dipping by 3.61%. The main culprits driving the index down month-over-month were falling steel rebar and h-beam steel prices, compelled by weak domestic demand within China. With China’s property sector not anticipated to strengthen in the short term, steel prices could continue […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Gold Prices Continue to Fly High, but for How Long?
The Global Precious Metals MMI (Monthly Metals Index) narrowly missed trading flat, only budging down a mere 0.01%. Precious metals prices experienced an array of volatility in both directions, which held the overall index firmly in a sideways trend. Gold prices continue to rise while other precious metals like palladium and silver dropped (price trends […]
Copper MMI: Mining Resumption, China Pose Risk to Copper Prices
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 4.56% from July to August. Aside from a short-lived rise at the start of July, copper prices today remain in a downtrend, with prices falling 5.76% from the previous month. Prices did manage to rebound in August, although not enough to signal a trend reversal. (Follow copper […]