Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sent shock waves throughout global metals markets. However, it’s important to remember that the most consistent longer-term driver of metal prices is Chinese demand. That’s why it’s surprising to see how little attention has been paid to the world’s largest consumer and producer of metals in recent months. It’s understandable […]
Tag: copper price
Green energy boom now biting all of Europe — and the USA, too
In 2018, a pair of us on the MetalMiner team attended the “premier aluminum conference in Europe” — Aluminum 2018 Dusseldorf. Although Dusseldorf felt like a charming Ohio blue collar town with good beer, one of us left the event with a deep cough (obviously pre-Covid). Oddly enough, the weather alert app kept displaying daily […]
Metal inventory levels dwindle and that could hit metal prices
While inventory levels serve as an interesting measure for fundamental analysis, that measure remains irrelevant for the short term. But when inventory levels change dramatically and over a longer time frame, they can have both an impact on price and also reflect more profound changes within the market. Ultimately, if not immediately, those factors could […]
Bases metals prices with short term volatility followed by medium term falls
Many metals consumers normally buy if not spot then on a three-to-six-month time horizon. Still others book up to a year out. Those that fix for longer periods often publish annual sales price lists. These companies need to fix input costs to protect margins. However, that too comes at a cost. Of course there is […]
Copper MMI: The sideways trend continues
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held flat at 119 from January to February. Copper prices continued to trade sideways within tighter and tighter ranges, with no clear short-term price direction. Nonetheless, copper prices remain bullish on longer time frames. Chilean assembly considers copper nationalization Members of an environmental committee in Chile voted for mine […]
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 […]
This Morning in Metals: U.S. Steel releases Q4 guidance
This morning in metals news: U.S. Steel released its guidance for Q4 2021; U.S. job openings increased in 16 states in October; and, lastly, copper prices continue to trade sideways. Do you know the five best practices of sourcing metals, including steel? U.S. Steel releases Q4 guidance U.S. Steel said it expects its Q4 2021 […]
Copper MMI: Copper prices consolidate after October spike
The Copper Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held flat for this month’s reading. After the mid-October spike, copper prices have begun to consolidate. Any bullish technical patterns are at risk of invalidation, as prices appear to trade consistently lower. Additionally, its failure to break out of any bullish structures within smaller time frames suggests a weakness […]
Chile’s Codelco forecasts lower copper prices in 2022
Chilean copper producer Codelco, the world’s largest, indicated it could see copper prices coming down in 2022. According to a Reuters report, Codelco CEO Octavio Araneda said prices in 2022 will likely come in slightly lower than in 2021. As we’ve noted recently, MetalMiner is hosting its final webinar of the year on Wednesday, Dec. […]
ICSG: Copper mine production up 3.3% through eight months
Global copper mine production increased by 3.3% through the first eight months of the year, the International Copper Study Group reported today. Meanwhile, copper prices have stabilized somewhat this month after plunging in late October. We’re offering timely emails with exclusive analyst commentary and some best practice advice. Copper mine production Global copper concentrate production […]
