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 […]
Category: Metal Prices
Stainless MMI: Stainless Bearish as Nickel Prices Sit Below 2023 Close
Overall, the Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) steadied, with a modest 0.3% increase from November to December. Stainless, Nickel Prices to Depart 2024 on a Low Note Stainless distributors had nothing good to say about 2024 on the heels of the new year. To many, 2024 was mostly characterized by soft demand conditions and an […]
Construction MMI: China’s Export Tax Rebate Reverberates on U.S. Construction Market
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) held its sideways trend, dropping by a slight 1.09%. Despite a torrent of construction news, the index didn’t budge much month-over-month and had a minimal reaction to recent interest rate drops. The Fed will likely need to drop interest rates more aggressively for the construction index to display any […]
Déjà Vu for China: Copper Scrap Shortages Push Copper to New Heights
It’s déjà vu for China’s copper smelters. But how will it affect the global price of copper? The shortfall China faced in mid-2024 following the limited availability of copper ore in June led the country to significantly increase its imports of copper scrap as an alternative raw material. In fact, in the first five months […]
Raw Steels MMI: Steel Prices Hold Steady Ahead of 2025
The Raw Steels Monthly Metals Index (MMI) steel prices for the month remained consolidated, with a modest 1.78% decline from November to December. Mills Keep a Lid on Production, Steel Prices After a disappointing Q3 for U.S. flat rolled steel prices, mills appeared to take capacity discipline seriously in the final months of 2024. The […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rebels Continue to Invade and Take Over Crucial Rare Earth Mines
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) trended sideways with a slightly downward movement of 2.59%. Numerous factors remain at play within the global rare earths market. One of the most significant factors rare earths buyers need to remain aware of is the ongoing conflict within Myanmar, one of the world’s key rare earth suppliers, […]
Global Markets Brace for Aluminum Bull Run Amid Supply Crunch
Global bauxite and aluminum prices have surged to a five-month high this month, driven by economic growth, growing supply concerns, a dip in the value of the U.S. dollar and the “China factor.” Currently, analysts predict that prices could rise further from current levels. Aluminum prices are currently about 18% higher year-on-year. Even aluminum futures […]
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 […]
Construction MMI: The Fed November Interest Rate Cut Gives Construction Industry a Boost
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) managed to break out of its sideways trend, moving up by 6.73%. Construction news indicates that the market could see more bullish sentiment if the Fed continues its dovish stance on interest rates, dropping them steadily (get weekly updates on macroeconomic news impacting your metal buy with our weekly […]
