As an example of how trade disputes often have little to do with trade, the announcement this week that the US and UK would sit down for talks to resolve the Trump era “trade dispute” over steel and aluminium tariffs serves as a case in point. Back in March 2018, when the former US president […]
Category: Non-ferrous Metals
Could we be seeing a re-run of the 2007 nickel market?
Or so asks an interesting post in Reuters last week regarding the nickel market. Back in 2007, nickel stocks had plummeted while prices rocketed. Today, we also have plummeting stocks and a rocketing price. Inventory does not appear as low today as in 2007, yet, nor has the price exceeded $24,000 per metric ton. In […]
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. […]
Mining follows the trend to re-shore to the USA
We have heard a lot in recent years about re-shoring. Simply, the return of manufacturing capacity wilfully relinquished to China over the last 20 years, back to the USA. Or at least we have heard about near-shoring to lower labor cost partners like Mexico. Few would argue it would be good for the US economy, […]
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. […]
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 […]
Copper MMI: Sideways trend persists, Fed fosters bearish sentiment
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 0.8% for this month’s reading. Copper prices continue to trade sideways within a big time frame, a resistance and support channel. While prices have consolidated within the channel, there are certain points of interest marked as key levels that would indicate a macro bullish continuation or macro reversal […]
Aluminum MMI: Energy crisis hits production, buoys prices
The Aluminum Monthly Metals Index (MMI) rose 4.8% following two consecutive months of decline. After a sharp 7.6% drop in the early days of November, prices appeared to have found a bottom and formed a bullish “cup and handle” technical pattern around the summer support levels. Aluminum prices have broken out of the bullish pattern […]
This Morning in Metals: Aluminum prices boom to close first week of 2022
This morning in metals news: aluminum prices have surged this week; U.S. nonfarm payroll employment rose by 199,000 in December; and, lastly, electricity prices surged throughout 2021, in large part on the back of rising natural gas prices. Request a 30-minute demo of the MetalMiner Insights platform now. Aluminum prices surge Aluminum prices are on […]
This Morning in Metals: Copper prices pick up
This morning in metals news: LME copper prices have ticked up; the U.S. monthly trade deficit increased from October to November; and, lastly, WTI crude prices made some gains this week. You want more MetalMiner on your terms. Sign up for weekly email updates here. Copper prices rise Copper prices had trended firmly in between […]