Of particular interest this week:
World Steel – negative growth … except India.
FX Indices – China CNY devaluation – views from a CNY perspective.
SUMMARY
Copper Turmoil in China’s FX markets and China’s share of the Cu market is reflected in the Cu price.
Nickel South African Nkomati Ni mine ends strike action with a wage deal.
Zinc & Lead Devaluation of the CNY should assist domestic manufacturers, post Dec-15.
Tin PT Timah granted permission to resume Sn exports.
Aluminium Al prices forecast down to the cost curve for years due to surpluses.
Gold Gold prices rising on global & Chinese uncertainty.
Platinum & Palladium Chinese car sales down 6.6% yr-on-yr. Glencore to close its Eland (Pt) mine.
Oil Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit.
Coal Japan’s & Thailand’s coal-fired generation increased.
Iron Ore World’s two largest exporters continue to expand production and market share.
Shipping Cape-size rates slumped in Atlantic and Pacific regions.
General
World Steel: negative growth abounds, though ‘peak steel’ has not occurred.
Japan: Electricity Demand – down on cooler weather and lower industrial demand.
CNY: most Asian currencies, and several others, are mimicking its movements.