Of particular interest this week:
USD TWI – correlations with commodity prices.
Oil – the original price war.
Coal – settlements and tight coking markets.
Gold – WGC comments on NIRPs – predictable.
SUMMARY
Copper Chile’s Cu concentrate output increased yr-on-yr.
Nickel Some more sulphide capacity reductions, amid capital raisings. WSA, PAN, WCN, MBN.
Zinc & Lead Red Dog mine’s Zn output reduced and forecast to continue reducing.
Tin Sn prices in Shanghai leading those on LME. China effectively is the swing Sn producer.
Aluminium China’s factory sector reported positive growth for the first time in nine months.
Gold World Gold Council comments on NIRP (negative interest rate policies).
Platinum & Palladium Impala Platinum to use Fuel Cells to power its refinery in South Africa. (Yes, fuel cells use Pt)
Oil The original oil price war. A strong USD expected to dampen (USD) oil prices for a while.
Coal SSCC settlements. Coking coal markets tighten. JFY thermal settlement expected to increase.
Iron Ore Prices off from last week but holding firm. Outlook weighed upon by oversupply.
Shipping Cape rates stable on iron ore interest. Panamax rates reduced.
General
USD TWI – correlations with selected commodity prices … not consistently good.
USA PMI – strong March data.