Of particular interest this week:
USD vs gold prices: correlations variable and not all that strong.
Copper: prices under pressure near term.
Zinc: Supply boost may take some heat out of prices (near term).
Platinum: Zimbabwe political risk rears its head (again)..
Coal HCC & SSCC settlements, thermal coal switch to SSCC where practical.
Oil: Iran opening up.
SUMMARY
Copper Copper seen under price pressure in coming months. To underperform Zn, in the near term.
Nickel Global stainless steel output surging.
Zinc & Lead Antamina to double Zn output. China’s economy better than expected. HMX drill results good.
Tin LME inventories at about eight year lows.
Aluminium Outlook for increased output from China.
Gold Gold prices marking time and watching remarks from the FRB chair.
Platinum & Palladium Zimbabwe changes its mining laws again, locking up prospective ground.
Oil Iran opening for applications for exploration on Monday.
Coal Coking settlements. Thermal coal switches into semi-soft coking at current pricing.
Iron Ore China pushing for capacity cuts in steel output.
Shipping Indices lifting on demand in Asia.
General
USA TWI index: correlations with gold and commodity prices – not consistent nor very strong.