Metals Data Response Global Steel Production (Aug.) South Africa’s total mine production continued to fall in August, but PGM output recovered as miners took advantage of higher prices. Looking ahead, we think there is a risk of supply disruptions in... 21st September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Update Dollar strength weighs on sentiment A stronger dollar, a reduction in risk appetite and a scaling back of expectations that oil producers will actually limit output made it a tough month for most commodities. However, the price of gold... 20th September 2016 · 1 min read
India Economics Update Domestic factors unlikely to cause rupee slump The rupee has been stable against the US dollar in recent months. Looking ahead, suggestions that domestic factors, including calls from within government for a devaluation of the currency and the RBI... 20th September 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update China Industrial Metals Output Monitor (Jul./Aug.) Detailed Chinese industrial production figures for August paint a mixed picture of refining activity. While refined copper production was growing strongly, there were sharp downturns in tin and nickel... 20th September 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response Global Aluminium Production (Aug. 16) According to the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), global primary aluminium output fell by 0.2% y/y in August. So far this year, output in the World ex China has risen, while China’s production... 20th September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Attention to return to the Fed The price of oil has taken a hit this week as hopes faded of an OPEC-led agreement between producers to freeze output. However, other industrial commodities performed somewhat better, buoyed by the... 16th September 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Rising stocks weigh on copper prices The ongoing surge in LME copper stocks was the key development last month and contributed to renewed bearish sentiment towards the metal. In contrast, stocks of all the other metals have fallen over... 15th September 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Watch Oversupply to weigh on the price of iron ore Iron ore prices have been on a bit of a rollercoaster this year, rising on waves of optimism about China’s demand, before slipping back on persistent growth in supply. In this Metals Watch, we argue... 14th September 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update China Industrial Metals Demand Monitor (Aug.) Metals prices received a boost today as August activity data out of China surprised on the upside. There is now clear evidence that the monetary and fiscal stimulus enacted earlier in the year is... 13th September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly A roller-coaster week for oil The price of oil has alternately surged and plunged this week, buffeted by a sharp (but probably temporary) fall in US stocks and speculation about prospects for supply. Indeed, stability in prices... 9th September 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Data Response South Africa’s Mine Production (Jul.) South Africa’s overall mine production remained subdued in July, dragged down by yet another fall in PGM output. However, the profitability of the PGM industry has continued to improve owing to higher... 8th September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Update China’s commodity imports bounced back in August After a slowdown in July, growth in China’s commodity import volumes rebounded in August. This was perhaps to be expected as July activity indicators were encouraging and the unofficial manufacturing... 8th September 2016 · 1 min read
Metals Chart Pack Investor interest on the wane A stronger US dollar on the back of renewed expectations that the Fed will hike rates by the end of the year weighed on the prices of most industrial and precious metals last month. The only metals... 5th September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Weekly Prices get a payrolls boost A weaker-than-expected US employment report on Friday all but removed the prospect of a US interest rate rise this month, although we still think a hike is likely before the end of the year. The... 2nd September 2016 · 1 min read
Commodities Chart Pack Dollar strength weighs on commodities The prices of most commodities retreated in late August as the dollar strengthened on the back of renewed expectations that the Fed will raise rates this year. That said, activity data out of China... 1st September 2016 · 1 min read
Industrial Metals Update Investor sentiment sours The prices of most metals fell last month, undermined by some strengthening of the US dollar as a result of renewed expectations that the Fed will raise interest rates sooner rather than later. The... 1st September 2016 · 1 min read