Of particular interest this week:
Nickel – If the new Direct-Nickel process works as promoted, it will change the cost structure of the nickel industry.
Copper – China’s central bank planning to boost the country’s banks. Copper traders are optimistic.
Singapore – Slowdown in seaborne traffic in raw materials into Asia but containers (product exports) improving. Could the improvement in the developed world demand be the buffer that a slowing Asia needs?
China – Production of Industrial Goods & Freight traffic.
Zinc – pressure on supply/demand (deficit) appears to be coming quicker than anticipated.
SUMMARY
Copper – China’s central bank plans to reinforce the country’s banks, a factor traders are pinning hopes on.
Nickel – Direct-Nickel has a new Ni–laterite process that could radically change cost curve shapes.
Zinc & Lead – Gains in US construction and auto-sales are pressuring the forecast supply/demand balance for Zn.
Tin – Weaker solder orders and demand for tin-plate (miniaturisation and thrifting) has slowed demand.
Aluminium – Ebola is threatening almost 8% of global bauxite supply.
Gold – Physical demand for gold expected during Diwali – the festival of lights (23 Oct).
Platinum & Palladium – Holders of Pt inventories are believed to be selling holdings, resulting in price falls.
Oil Venezuela – the largest oil reserves; falling production; incurring deficits; 1970’s GDP/capita.
Coal – JAL’s Dunlevy with good quality coking coal data. & NewC thermal prices may fall further?
Iron Ore – The new price outlook is challenging for projects outside the major miners.
Shipping – Shipping charter rates are down again. Key is reduced thermal coal volumes in panamax vessels.
General
Port of Singapore – Shipping – slower growth.
USA – New Housing Starts – good.
USA – Industrial Production & Capacity Utilisation – strong
China – Production of Industrial Goods. – generally good. Increased hydro-electricity output.
China – Freight Transport – growth reduced and appears to be recovering. (Chinese data has issues).