Three phrases have dominated market headlines over the past two weeks. The phrases, ‘buy on the dips’, ‘volatility’ and ‘market correction’ have traders and market watchers all abuzz. This tends to happen when a market goes a little wonky. Most recently, market pundits bantered about these phrases over the S&P 500 market selloff. All of […]
Category: Metal Prices
How a potential Russian incursion can impact metals markets
Metals experts and analysts from around the world have reacted to the on-going Russia-Ukraine tension by saying any escalation would have a negative impact on global metals markets. The continued geopolitical worries have raised the possibility of new sanctions on trade with major Russian metals producers. This could further squeeze the tight aluminum, copper and […]
What we are watching: aluminum stainless and Tesla rumors
MetalMiner has long held the belief that no super-cycle exists to drive commodities prices. The argument against the super cycle suggests a lack of a 10-year sustained growth trend of new demand to support such a cycle. And despite not having a sustained growth demand cycle, metal prices remain extremely volatile due to supply constraints. […]
China steel production drops with pollution curbs
The Chinese National Bureau of Statistics has reported that China’s crude steel output fell by 3% to 1.03 billion tons in 2021a. This marks its lowest level since 2016. China remains the largest steel-producing country in the world. The production downturn brought on by curbs imposed to fight pollution, and a drop in steel prices […]
Nickel in deficit as LME inventories continue to decline
Inventory drawdown is the defining narrative at the moment, and nickel is part of the story. Economic recovery around the world is patchy. Some countries are recovering strongly, while some are still struggling. Inflation is surging and analysts are having trouble agreeing whether 2022 can see anything like 2021’s rate of growth as a result. […]
Kazakhstan unrest offers price support, but president’s call for higher mining taxes could have stronger price impact
Human and political rights activists have been suffering escalating repression in the former Soviet state of Kazakhstan. The result has been widespread rioting and the reported death of over a hundred protestors this month. The protests kicked off with rises in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices but stem from extreme inequality and corruption in the […]
Raw Steels MMI: As steel prices fall, steelmakers look to scrap
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 12.7% month over month to 121, as scrap prices made gains this past month. U.S. steel prices continue to retreat from their 2021 peaks. At the start of the year, hot rolled coil prices sat almost 18% below the October high. US steelmakers invest in scrap […]
Renewables/GOES MMI: EIA forecasts rise in electricity generation from renewables
The Renewables Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 2.9% for this month’s reading. EIA: electricity generation from renewables to rise in 2022, 2023 The Energy Information Administration forecast the U.S. share of electricity generation from renewables will rise in 2022 and 2023. “Our forecast for the natural gas share as a generation fuel declines primarily […]
Global Precious MMI: Gold prices rise; Fed continues tapering
The Global Precious Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose by 4.1% for this month’s reading. Stay up to date on MetalMiner with weekly updates – without the sales pitch. Sign up now. Gold prices make gains to close 2021 Gold prices picked up steam throughout the final month of 2021. The U.S. gold spot price opened December […]
Environment driving BHP’s investments in nickel
Nickel, traditionally largely consumed in the stainless steel industry, is enjoying strong support from its role as a lithium-ion battery enhancing metal. The use of nickel reduces the need for cobalt, significantly battery reducing costs. Not surprisingly car makers are scrambling to lock up supplies as Chinese battery firms get first to market investing in […]
