The Global Precious Metals MMI did not deviate far from its ongoing sideways trend. Indeed, since April, the index has continued to stay within a tight trading range without much movement up or down. Moreover, precious metal prices, including those for gold and silver, remain relatively high when looking at their respective price ranges over […]
Category: Macroeconomics
China’s Imports of Refined Copper Hit Four-Year Low
In the first half of 2023, China’s intake of refined copper saw the biggest drop in four years. The news underscores the current deceleration of the nation’s manufacturing sphere. China is one of the world’s largest buyers of refined copper. Still, it seems the country’s appetite for imports is waning. According to a report by […]
Construction MMI: Chinese Manufacturing Still Slumping, Impacting U.S. Construction
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continues to experience pressure from both sides amid conflicting global construction news. For instance, U.S. scrap steel prices recently dropped due to more vehicles being manufactured (car manufacturing always produces ample scrap). However, Chinese steel product prices went up at the same time. Ultimately, metal markets witnessed more movement […]
Global Precious Metals MMI: Precious Metal Prices Moving Up, but for How Long?
Precious metal prices (especially silver) began a brief rally on July 12 before retreating again. Whether or not the bulls are here to stay is a question up for debate. Many remain optimistic that gold prices will continue upward until the end of 2023. However, gold and other precious metals markets still face some bearish […]
Construction MMI: Construction Material Costs Remain Elevated
The latest construction news reports that while interest rates remain high, inflation is finally losing steam. This could go a long way toward helping U.S. construction projects. However, the Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continues to experience pull in both directions. This is mainly due to ongoing labor shortages and the inflated cost of materials […]
Chinese Mills Brace for Tough H2 Amid Insufficient Consumption, Falling Steel Prices
China’s major steelmakers recently warned of a “very challenging” H2 that could impact steel prices. As noted in news reports quoting the China Iron & Steel Association (CISA), this goes against earlier expectations of improvement in the sector. According to a June 30 report from Bloomberg, officials from China Baowu Steel Group, Ansteel Group, Hesteel, […]
Copper MMI: Current Copper Prices Sideways on Weak Manufacturing
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved sideways, increasing by a modest 1.09% from June to July. Copper prices appear sideways after last month’s rally faltered. After June 22, prices began to retrace, but found a bottom by the end of the month. They then enjoyed a modest rise during the first week of July. […]
Metal Prices: Hot-Rolled Coil Trends Down, Nickel Appears Bearish
Metal prices demonstrated increasingly-bearish short-term movement over the past couple of weeks. HRC, for instance, continues to trend downward while nickel faces extensive bearish pressure. But while prices may continue to decline in the short-term, will the long-term trend continue? Nickel in a Bearish Market Nickel prices fell more than 20% in the first three […]
Copper MMI: Will the Copper Price Rally Last?
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) fell 4.29% from May to June as the average copper price continued to show short term volatility. Copper prices ultimately rebounded after declining in May. After the start of the month, the copper price index started forming short-term patterns that showed potential upside reversal. However, price action would need […]
Construction MMI: Canadian Wildfire Smoke Puts a Halt on NYC Construction
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) stayed within a tight range, but dropped more than in the previous three months. Overall, the index fell by 5.04% month-on-month. Meanwhile, steel prices continued to slide, which brought noticeable bearish pressure to the index. However, within the first couple weeks of June, H-beam steel and steel rebar prices […]
