The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continued to rise month-over-month, this time increasing by 3.04%. Aluminum and platinum prices rose significantly, which pulled the index up and provided significant bullish price action. Meanwhile, copper prices also added some bullish sentiment to the index, though not quite as much as in May. Copper prices continue to […]
Category: Non-ferrous Metals
Lithium Rush: Global Scramble for ‘White Gold’ as China Dominates the Supply Chain
Dubbed “white gold,” lithium is immense valuable in the modern world. Though lithium prices dropped dramatically from the highs achieved in late 2022, China still dominates the lithium supply chain. This continues to spur on multiple countries looking to lay their hands on this valuable metal. Lithium is a critical component in rechargeable batteries for […]
New Heat-Resistant Aluminum Alloys Developed by Tianjin University to Revolutionize Aerospace Engineering
Chinese scientists recently announced the development of a technique to significantly enhance the heat resistance of aluminum alloys. The breakthrough will address a major challenge that has long restricted the use of this lightweight metal in critical fields such as aerospace and transportation. According to a report in the South China Morning Post, the team […]
Rare Earths MMI: Rare Earth Prices Stabilize After 6 Months of Drops and May’s Rebound
The Rare Earths MMI (Monthly Metals Index) seemed to find some stabilization after six months of dropping followed by a brief rebound in May. Overall, the index moved sideways, rising by just 2.11%. Meanwhile, prices for rare earth elements continue to pull in both directions due to a number of factors. Issues like ongoing supply […]
Copper MMI: Risks to the Copper Price Uptrend
Overall, the Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 17.36% from April to May. The copper price uptrend accelerated throughout April. Bullish momentum saw prices surge nearly 14% from the close of March. By April 29, prices pushed past the $10,000 per metric ton mark. They continued to move even higher by mid-May, with an additional […]
How Increased Offshore Exploration Is Redefining the Rare Earth Minerals Market
Ramped-up offshore exploration for rare earth metals and minerals, vital components in sought-after products like hybrid vehicles and smartphone screens, continues to cut into China’s long-held position as the primary global supplier. Countries like Australia, the United States, Myanmar, and even nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan continue to increase their extraction efforts. This […]
Construction MMI: Will Rising Copper Prices Impact Construction Projects?
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) remained firmly in a sideways trend, only budging upward by 1.28%. The rising price of iron ore PB fines in China had the heaviest impact on the index, holding it more up than down. After that, the next biggest factor was European commercial 1050 aluminum sheets. Meanwhile, all other […]
Aluminum MMI: Aluminum Prices Retreat after Failing to Break 2023 High
Overall, the Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 7.06% from April to May. The aluminum price remained bullish throughout April, rising 11.47% month over month. However, prices found a peak on April 22 when they failed to break above their 2023 high. They then retraced to the downside during the remainder of the month and […]
Automotive MMI: Will Potential Copper Shortages Impact the Automotive Market?
The Automotive MMI (Monthly Metals Index) broke out of its nearly 6-month-long sideways trend amid several changes in metals prices. Month-over-month, the index rose 5.24%. Except for shredded scrap steel and palladium, most components of the index either moved up or sideways with slight upward movement. With the recent LME and CME ban on Russian […]
The Charge Towards a Brighter Future: Innovations in the Battery Market
In a world where the appetite for energy is insatiable, the battery market has become the playground for some of the brightest minds aiming to fuel everything from cell phones to electric vehicles. However, as our gadgets become even smarter, the traditional batteries we’ve relied on seem ever so dim-witted in comparison. Enter the era […]