Energy Data Response US Weekly Petroleum Status Report US crude stocks began falling again last week, but the decline was small, barely making up for the earlier unexpected rises. What’s more, gasoline stocks barely moved despite the US driving season... 15th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Sales of China’s cotton stocks to push prices lower The price of cotton has been one of the better performing among agricultural commodities this year. However, we think prices are likely to fall as China seeks to sell its huge cotton reserves. 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Update Iran and the West make a deal, but stumbling blocks remain Today’s announcement of the deal reached between Iran and the West should, eventually, allow Iranian oil exports to return to their previous levels. However, the deal could still be disrupted by... 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
Latin America Economics Update Mexico oil auctions: what to look for and what they mean Mexico’s government will tomorrow auction rights to private companies to exploit oil reserves in the Gulf of Mexico – a move that marks the first step in opening up the country’s energy sector to... 14th July 2015 · 1 min read
OPEC Watch OPEC keeps the taps firmly on Last month’s increase in supply from OPEC just adds to the glut of oil already in the market. And even with strong growth in demand over the next year, OPEC still expects the market to be well... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Middle East & North Africa Economics Update Saudi debt issuance aimed at financial market development Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit is likely to reach an eye-watering 17.5% of GDP this year and the government has now turned to the bond market in order to help plug the gap. Some have argued that debt... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update What next for iron ore? After plummeting last week, iron ore prices have stabilised at around $50 per tonne. However, there appears to be little to support prices given that we expect a contraction in China’s steel output... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Update US oil exports muscle in on an already crowded market Even though we do not expect the restrictions on US crude oil exports to be lifted anytime soon, there is still plenty of scope for exports to grow rapidly. 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Lower opening corn & soybean stocks mask the bigger picture Although market prices reacted positively to the USDA’s latest WASDE report, there is no evidence to suggest that world grain and soybean supplies are facing a significant tightening. We think the... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update China’s oil imports surge in June China’s commodity import volumes were generally strong in June, although copper imports fell to a four-month low. We think government stimulus and infrastructure spending will boost demand for... 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response World Gold Official Reserves (May) Global central banks continued to buy gold for diversification purposes in May. Buying was mostly concentrated among emerging markets’ central banks, with Russia once again particularly active. 13th July 2015 · 1 min read
Energy Chart Pack Downside risks materialise June was a relatively quiet month for energy markets. However, since the start of July oil prices have tanked as worries about demand, prompted by crisis in Greece and China, and signs of improving... 10th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Ouch! Commodity investors could be forgiven for a huge sigh of relief that this week is over. The combination of the crisis in Greece and – especially – worries about the fallout from the slump in China’s... 10th July 2015 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Malaysia Monthly Palm Oil Data (Jun.) Data released earlier today by Malaysia’s Palm Oil Board show that although crudepalm oil production declined in June, it was still 12% higher y/y. Inventories alsoremain significantly higher on a... 10th July 2015 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response US silver imports (Apr.) US silver imports rose sharply in April, suggesting strong appetite from the second biggest consumer. Indeed, the US Mint ran out of coins last week as investors bought on falling prices. However, a... 10th July 2015 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response South Africa’s Mine Production (May) After a strong start to the year, South Africa’s platinum group metals (PGM) production fell substantially in May. This underpins our view that continued power disruptions, coupled with an increased... 9th July 2015 · 1 min read