In particular this week:
Copper – China’s SRB is stocking up – which is supported by the Chinese production growth data.
Russia – has been adding to its Central Bank gold holdings for a while.
IEA outlook for Oil prices is low for a while yet.
Metallurgical coal – Chinese inquiry is increasing.
China’s output of industrial product records the slowdown, with the freight traffic hinting that the worst may be over.
SUMMARY
Copper – SRB buying represents a red flag for those expecting further Chinese economic weakness to translate into lower copper prices.
Nickel – BHP has removed Nickel West assets from the market.
Zinc & Lead – China’s Pb concentrates for Nov reduced sharply.
Tin – Myanmar is rapidly becoming a significant tin supplier.
Aluminium – Ford is taking the plunge – making its best seller (F-150) with aluminium.
Gold – World demand for Au softened in Sept Qtr. Russia is adding to its gold holding in foreign Reserves.
Platinum & Palladium – Chinese demand for Pt jewellery is the largest single growth driver.
Oil – IEA predicts low oil prices for some time.
Coal – Inquiries from China for deliveries by end 2014 are increasing.
Iron Ore – ANZ forecasts a price floor for iron ore.
General
Port of Singapore – traffic – slow – except containers!
Japan – Industrial production
China – Freight Transport – appears that the worst of the slowdown may be over.
China – Output of Industrial Products – recording the slowdown (except copper materials).