Opalesque Commodities Briefing » Metals and Minerals http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing Fri, 17 May 2013 01:03:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en The copper bull’s last hurrah http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125432 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125432#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 00:59:51 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125432 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125432>Article Link</a> Copper prices fell to a two-year low earlier this month. The other London-traded base metals followed a similar pattern. In what we view as merely extremely oversold conditions, copper staged a mighty 10% rally. The other metals consolidated but continued to hover near their lows. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125432 Speculators cut most bullish precious metals futures, options positioning — CFTC http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125395 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125395#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 04:08:31 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125395 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125395>Article Link</a> Weaker metals prices overall spurred speculators to shed some of their bullish precious metals futures and options positions at the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, according to U.S. government data. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125395 Silver: Look out above? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125378 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125378#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 00:23:53 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125378 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125378>Article Link</a> It seems that everyone “knows” that silver is going lower. In fact, almost all of mainstream media is certain that lower levels are going to be seen in the metals. But, when everyone in the mainstream is so certain about lower levels, it is usually the time for the market to shake them out of that notion, just before it proves them right. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125378 Platinum, Palladium markets may witness deficit in 2013-14: Barclays http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125376 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125376#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 00:23:18 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125376 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125376>Article Link</a> Platinum and palladium markets may witness deficits in 2013 and continue with the trend in 2014 as the challenging mine supply backdrop overshadows the modest recovery in demand anticipated for later in the year, stated London based Barclays in its recent market analysis. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125376 Copper may reach above $7,500/t before re-stabilising shorts: Barclays http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125375 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125375#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 00:22:43 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125375 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125375>Article Link</a> Copper prices may witness further upward movement as market positioning is still short with positive demand signals from China. The base metal prices may rise above $7,500 per ton before re-stabilising shorts, stated London based Barclays in its recent market report. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125375 Mining M&A appetite restrained in favor of smaller, lower-risk deals—E&Y http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125374 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125374#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 00:21:59 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125374 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125374>Article Link</a> Despite their more optimistic view of the global economy, an Ernst & Young survey of 193 mining and metals sector executives finds only 24% are focused on mergers and acquisitions. Those surveyed anticipate 91% of mining and metals M&A deals will be below US$500 million in value. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125374 Palladium likely to remain in deficit next year, GFMS says http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125359 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125359#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 03:12:19 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125359 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125359>Article Link</a> The results of Thomson Reuters GFMS’ Platinum & Palladium Survey 2013 are in, and the news looks good for palladium investors. According to the precious metals consultancy, palladium recorded its highest deficit in 11 years in 2012. Specifically, supply of the metal fell to 8.19 million ounces, a 4-percent decline, while usage grew 5 percent, hitting 9.32 million ounces. That created a 1.12-million ounce gap between supply and demand, a sizeable increase over 2011′s 279,000-ounce deficit. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125359 The best-performing precious metal just got even better http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125312 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125312#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 03:33:29 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125312 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125312>Article Link</a> This may be the best time in more than a decade to invest in palladium. Normally known for its volatility, the white metal is about to enter a period unlike anything the precious metals sector has ever seen. Most folks don’t know it, but palladium is 30 times more rare than gold. And worse yet, 80% of the globe’s supply comes from just two countries – South Africa and Russia. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125312 Platinum bets hang in the balance http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125311 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125311#comments Tue, 07 May 2013 03:33:11 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125311 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125311>Article Link</a> A rally in platinum prices is in danger, as promised production cuts from the world’s biggest miner of the metal face opposition from the South African government. Prices are up 6.3% since mid-April, when they plunged alongside gold and other precious metals. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125311 Base metals enjoy strong performance http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125297 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125297#comments Mon, 06 May 2013 01:58:50 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125297 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125297>Article Link</a> Copper has led the London Metal Exchange (LME) to a stellar close, after an interest rate cut from the European Central Bank (ECB) and upbeat US employment data spurred a massive short-covering rally in the recently heavily sold base metals. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125297 Platinum market shifts to deficit, first time in 7 years http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125274 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125274#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 03:14:11 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125274 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125274>Article Link</a> Labour disruptions in South Africa pushed the platinum market into a narrow deficit in 2012, for the first time in seven years, Thomson Reuters GFMS said on Thursday. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125274 Palladium shortage surged to 11 year-high in 2012 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125273 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125273#comments Fri, 03 May 2013 03:13:55 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125273 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125273>Article Link</a> Palladium’s deficit rose to the biggest in 11 years in 2012 as strike action in South African mines curbed supply and demand expanded, Thomson Reuters GFMS said. Platinum slipped into a deficit for the first time since 2004. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125273 Uranium – poised for another boom? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125255 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125255#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 03:21:25 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125255 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125255>Article Link</a> Only a short time ago it seems (five or six years actually) the uranium price was riding high, uranium explorers were springing up everywhere and uranium producer and explorer shares were among the strongest in the mining sector. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125255 Commodities & metals: Wait and see http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125254 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125254#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 03:21:09 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125254 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125254>Article Link</a> In the wake of the recent collapse of several commodity markets, Dennis Gartman of The Gartman Letter has some surprising things to say about where to look for shortages that could drive prices back up. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125254 ‘Dr. Copper is sick’: Dennis Gartman http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125253 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125253#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 03:20:52 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125253 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125253>Article Link</a> The move lower is base metals portends poorly for the U.S. and global economies, commodities trader Dennis Gartman said Wednesday on CNBC. “Dr. Copper Is Sick,” he said, adding that prices for aluminum and zinc were also heading lower. “And they don’t argue for good economic growth.” (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125253 Speculators return to cutting precious metals bullish positions — CFTC http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125223 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125223#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:31:35 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125223 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125223>Article Link</a> Large speculators returned as sellers of precious metals futures and options on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange and the Nymex, trimming back exposure in all precious metals and slashing gold positions, according to U.S. government data. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125223 Palladium prices may average $748/oz in 2013 & $795 2014: Barclays http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125208 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125208#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:52:39 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125208 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125208>Article Link</a> Palladium prices may average $748/oz in 2013, and rise to an annual average of $795/oz in 2014, stated London based Barclays in its recent market analysis. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125208 Copper loses its sheen as over-supply puts market bears in driving seat http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125207 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125207#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:52:19 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125207 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125207>Article Link</a> Futures contracts in most metals traded on the London Metals Exchange spiked on Friday, rebounding from falls earlier in the week following worries over Chinese growth. Copper futures smashed through an 18-month low on Tuesday, trading below $7,000 a tonne. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125207 Base Metal complex may witness short-covering in coming weeks: Deutsche Bank http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125206 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125206#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:51:55 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125206 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125206>Article Link</a> Over the next couple of weeks it appears likely that the base metals complex may see some short-covering as Chinese merchants/speculators square positions heading into holidays early next week (May Day), stated Frankfurt based Deutsche Bank (DB) in its recent market analysis. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125206 Russia to compete with China in rare earth metals production http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125185 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125185#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:30:08 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125185 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125185>Article Link</a> Russia plans to invest $1 bln in the extraction of rare earth metals to compete with market leader China which controls around 97% of world production. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125185 Is the copper ETF back on track? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125183 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125183#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 03:29:38 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125183 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125183>Article Link</a> Thanks to the strong dollar, commodity prices have been pretty depressed over the past few months. It also doesn’t help that many are looking for a slowdown in China, a key market for commodity demand. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125183 Europe’s share of global coal trading rises despite weak economy http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125172 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125172#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:47:47 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125172 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125172>Article Link</a> Europe’s share of international coal trading is rising despite a sluggish economy, as a collapse in emissions permit prices and a global oversupply of coal bolsters the fuel’s profitability in power generation. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125172 Demand for metals likely to increase tenfold, study says http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125165 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125165#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:46:06 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125165 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125165>Article Link</a> Demand for metals is likely to increase tenfold as developing economies surge ahead, putting severe stress on the natural environment, a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) has warned. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125165 Precious metals markets on the brink http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125164 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125164#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 02:45:50 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125164 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125164>Article Link</a> Perhaps the most important question for precious metals investors is whether the recent sharp declines in gold, silver, and platinum are a “selling climax” — which will reverse powerfully to the upside and provide strong long-term investment opportunities — or are harbingers of even further weakness to come. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125164 Are precious metals and miners in a short squeeze? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125146 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125146#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:02:27 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125146 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125146>Article Link</a> A week ago I wrote about a potential rebound after capitulation and panic selling in precious metals and the miners. It now appears Goldman Sachs (GS) is covering its short on gold as it rebounds above $1,400. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125146 Morgan Stanley cuts 2013 base metals’ forecasts http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125145 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125145#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:02:12 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125145 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125145>Article Link</a> Morgan Stanley Research cut its 2013 price outlooks for several base metals on Tuesday, citing a soft patch in global growth, which is being exacerbated by extended destocking in China and the growth of new capacity. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125145 Why commodities traders are hoarding copper http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125144 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125144#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:01:47 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125144 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125144>Article Link</a> The only thing that investors have heard recently about the copper market is that there is vast oversupply ahead as evidenced by a buildup in copper warehouse inventories globally. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125144 Goldman cuts short-term forecast on copper http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125125 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125125#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:13:36 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125125 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125125>Article Link</a> As if the past two month’s 13% decline in copper prices wasn’t enough to signal waning confidence in the metal, analysts have also started to scale back forecasts. The latest blow to copper came on Monday, when senior metals analyst at Goldman Sachs Max Layton cut the three-, six- and 12 -month forecasts, citing resurfacing Chinese growth concerns, technical factors turning bullish and a broader metals selloff that has added pressure on prices. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125125 World crude steel production up 1pct to 135 mn tons in March Y-o-Y http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125124 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125124#comments Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:13:02 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125124 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125124>Article Link</a> World crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 135 million tonnes (Mt) in March 2013, an increase of 1.0% compared to March 2012. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125124 Fortescue predicts $140 iron ore price http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125095 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125095#comments Mon, 22 Apr 2013 03:05:50 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125095 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125095>Article Link</a> Fortescue Metals chief executive Nev Power predicts the iron price will hover between $139 and $140 per tonne in the short term because of low iron ore stocks. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125095 Base metals forecast to outpace precious metals in 2013 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125081 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125081#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:07:00 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125081 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125081>Article Link</a> If demand for base metals proves promising – owing to their link to infrastructure and urbanisation – countries hosting base metals, particularly copper, will benefit, states minerals consultant Venmyn Deloitte exploration manager Andrew de Klerk, noting that base metals demand may be stronger than precious metal demand in the near term. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125081 1/3 of global gold mines have pre-tax costs of $1,250 to $1,750—Tumazos http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125066 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125066#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:52:07 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125066 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125066>Article Link</a> A survey by of 49 publicly traded companies accounting for 60% of world gold output, which was conducted by New Jersey’s John Tumazos Very Independent Research, estimates that one-third of gold mines have pretax costs of $1,250 to $1,750 per ounce. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125066 Time to buy precious metals http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125024 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125024#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:54:21 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125024 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125024>Article Link</a> One of the criticisms against gold is that it is apparently a cyclical asset. Which asset is not? It is time to see through the current sell-off in gold. Two weeks ago, Bare Talk wrote that investor behaviour is pro-cyclical. It amplifies both booms and busts by buying into rising prices and selling into falling prices. It went without saying that investment recommendations are pro-cyclical too. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125024 Any Q2 rally in Copper prices should be shorted: Barclays http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125023 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125023#comments Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:54:00 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125023 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=125023>Article Link</a> Sentiment at this year’s CESCO copper week, in which producers, traders, consumers, investors and analysts get together, was bearish with consensus expectations for surpluses over the next couple of years and a downward trajectory for prices. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=125023 Where next for copper prices? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124985 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124985#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:13:31 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124985 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124985>Article Link</a> Copper is a key manufacturing input, used in everything from electrical wiring to air conditioning units. The copper price has been stable within a range of $7,300-$8,600 per tonne over the past year. Copper prices are down by 8% since the start of 2013 to around $7,550 per tonne, down 25% from the record high in early 2011. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124985 Global Steel demand to show healthy growth on easing Eurozone crisis: worldsteel http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124984 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124984#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:13:12 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124984 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124984>Article Link</a> Global apparent steel use will increase by 2.95% to 1,454 Mt in 2013, following growth of 1.2% in 2012, according to World Steel Association. In its Short Range Outlook for Steel in 2013-14, released on Thursday, worldsteel said that demand will grow further by 3.2% in 2014 to reach 1,500 Mt. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124984 India, China lag behind in mining investment, finds survey http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124983 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124983#comments Fri, 12 Apr 2013 04:12:55 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124983 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124983>Article Link</a> Asia-Pacific countries are the best-placed to supply the region’s future commodity demand, but rather than encouraging mining it appears they are making it harder for explorers and producers. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124983 GFMS: Improved mine output, weak demand to pressure copper prices http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124957 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124957#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:16:37 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124957 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124957>Article Link</a> Growing negative market sentiment, along with rising warehouse stocks, mine supply and weakening demand, could weigh on copper prices, said a metals consultancy Tuesday. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124957 Copper likely to trade in broad range between $7,500 and $8,500: GFMS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124939 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124939#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:05:39 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124939 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124939>Article Link</a> Copper prices will struggle to make headway this year, weighed down by growing inventories due to a cautious view of demand in China, US economic uncertainty and Europe’s debt crisis, metals consultancy Thomson Reuters GFMS said. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124939 Commodity price cycle bringing platinum and palladium to the forefront http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124938 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124938#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:05:23 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124938 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124938>Article Link</a> The U.S. economy is certainly not running at 100% capacity, but one sector that is operating at levels not seen since before the financial crisis is the automotive industry. In March, automotive sales increased substantially to an annualized rate of 15.3 million vehicles per year, compared to 14.1 million vehicles this time last year. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124938 Big change hits US palladium bar price http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124921 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124921#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:54:33 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124921 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124921>Article Link</a> US palladium bar saw the biggest price decline of the day, dropping 3.5 percent on April 5, 2013. The price of Japanese palladium bar was essentially unchanged. Chinese palladium bar saw little change in its price last Friday. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124921 2012 U.S. copper production at highest level in 3 years—U.S.G.S http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124900 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124900#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:28:02 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124900 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124900>Article Link</a> U.S. production of refined copper in 2012 decreased by about 3% from that in 2011, the U.S. Geological Survey observed in a Mineral Industry Survey made public Thursday. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124900 Global steel market was bearish in March, uncertain outlook for April: TSI http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124899 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124899#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:27:48 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124899 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124899>Article Link</a> It was a real bear market for steel in March across the globe with both domestic and export demand weak in major producing countries and there are no indications of a major price recovery in April.
In US market, flat steel market was bearish with The Steel Index (TSI) US Mid West (FoB Mill) (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124899 Copper rebounds due to strike in Chile http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124881 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124881#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:09:51 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124881 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124881>Article Link</a> Copper rebounded from an eight-month low in New York after a Chilean government official said a strike at a port is curtailing shipments from the country, the world’s biggest producer of the metal. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124881 Commodity prices drag miners to seven-month low http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124880 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124880#comments Fri, 05 Apr 2013 04:09:34 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124880 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124880>Article Link</a> South African mining shares, which account for 24% of the country’s stock market weighting, fell to their lowest in almost seven months on Wednesday as commodity prices fell on weak demand prospects. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124880 Rio Tinto and Kazakhmys: The end of the mining boom http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124842 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124842#comments Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:06:35 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124842 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124842>Article Link</a> Of my recent contrarian picks, it is worth noting that the only companies that lost substantial money were a couple of commodities companies: Kazakhmys and Vedanta. I have worked out that mining companies are different from other companies. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124842 Are precious metals due for a rebound? http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124792 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124792#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:10:04 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124792 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124792>Article Link</a> Gold will post its first consecutive quarterly loss since 2001. And since mid-2011 gold has been a money loser. If you’re perplexed by that, keep reading. Even silver – which has been a star performer over the past few years - has followed gold prices lower. Will precious metals rebound? (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124792 Why China Nickel prices are not moving up http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124791 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124791#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:09:49 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124791 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124791>Article Link</a> Nickel prices in China have not moved up due to more than ample supply with expectations that Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) production would be higher, states a recent analysis by London based Barclays. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124791 Four billion reasons REEs and graphite will make you money http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124790 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124790#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:09:32 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124790 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124790>Article Link</a> According to Goldman Sachs, in 2011 China added $1.3 trillion to global growth. This is the equivalent of adding an economy the size of Greece to the global economy every 12.5 weeks or an economy the size of Australia over the course of the year. In 2012, if you look at all four BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) economies combined, they added $2.2 trillion to global growth. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124790 Global Mining: Opportunities in the era of global slowdown http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124789 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124789#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 04:09:19 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124789 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124789>Article Link</a> In the era of global slowdown, shareholders of mining companies are demanding more of discipline when it comes to capital expenditure. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124789 A challenging year ahead for miners: PwC report http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124778 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124778#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:11:40 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124778 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124778>Article Link</a> After a slow and cautious 2012, mining M&A activity is expected to continue at a moderate and equally cautious pace in 2013 as metal prices stabilise and companies bet on a continued rise in commodity demand from countries such as China, according to the latest Mining Deals report by PwC. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124778 Lithium investing: A visual guide http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124770 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124770#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:09:42 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124770 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124770>Article Link</a> In the commodity world, lithium is a rising star as its use and prevalence has skyrocketed in recent years. Thanks to a wealth of new technologies, lithium is slowly becoming a staple metal for a number of products and industries. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124770 Copper gains as U.S. manufacturing, housing recovers http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124768 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124768#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:09:16 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124768 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124768>Article Link</a> Copper rose in London on signs that manufacturing and housing are gaining in the U.S., the world’s second-biggest buyer of the metal used in wires and pipes. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124768 Russia, South Africa seek to create OPEC-style platinum bloc http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124767 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124767#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:08:59 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124767 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124767>Article Link</a> Russia and South Africa, which together control about 80 percent of the world’s reserves of platinum group metals, plan to create a trading bloc similar to OPEC to control the flow of exports. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124767 Hedge funds most bearish ever on copper, favor gold: Commodities http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124724 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124724#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:11:11 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124724 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124724>Article Link</a> Hedge funds are making the biggest bet against copper on record as global inventories expand to a nine-year high, while concern that Europe’s debt crisis will spread spurred the biggest gain in gold bets since 2008. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124724 LME Aluminium spot prices may touch $2,050/t in H2 2013 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124723 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124723#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:10:51 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124723 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124723>Article Link</a> London Metal Exchange (LME) Aluminium spot prices would go higher in the second half of 2013, averaging $2,050/t versus $1,925/t in the first half, according to a market analysis by London based Barclays. For short term, it could trigger some short covering in the metal, particularly if macro sentiments improve in line with developments in Europe. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124723 LME copper inventories at 10-year high http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124707 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124707#comments Fri, 22 Mar 2013 04:17:47 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124707 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124707>Article Link</a> Copper inventories on the London Metal Exchange have risen to their highest level since 2003, in the latest sign of the copper market’s shift into oversupply. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124707 Why copper is more interesting than gold - Berlenbach http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124690 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124690#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:43:57 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124690 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124690>Article Link</a> I am fascinated by where the copper market is going. It’s more interesting than gold right now. Also, if the copper market is tight, then we will really have problems as countries like China or India continue to develop. Copper is necessary to building a modern society. It goes into all kinds of infrastructure and is needed in cars, electrical appliances and houses. And there are very few substitutes for it. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124690 Copper advances as Morgan Stanley sees demand reviving in China http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124689 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124689#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:43:41 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124689 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124689>Article Link</a> Copper rebounded from the lowest price since August after Morgan Stanley predicted increased demand in China, the world’s biggest user. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124689 World crude steel production rises 1.2pct in Feb to 123 mln tons http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124688 http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124688#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:43:23 +0000 VRS http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124688 <br> <a href=http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?p=124688>Article Link</a> World crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 123 million tonnes (Mt) in February 2013, an increase of 1.2% compared to February 2012. (more…)

]]> http://www.opalesque.com/Commodities_Briefing/?feed=rss2&p=124688