Of particular interest this week:
Steel Global output increasing. It is not just China. Most non-Chinese growth appears to be from emerging economies.
Tin (Comment affects all metals) Chinese policy shifts in 2016.
Oil: OPEC’s inaugural compliance meeting gets under way
SUMMARY
Copper Chinese companies reported to have stepped out of the market to address pending 2016 loans.
Nickel Philippines and Indonesia remain centre-stage in the Ni market.
Zinc & Lead Zn mkt in deficit for 2016. Much of this on supply cuts. USA FDA guidelines on Pb in lipstick.
Tin Some shifts in Chinese policies (affects all metals).
Aluminium New orders of USA Non-defence aircraft for November down heavily.
Gold It has been an erratic year for gold. Companies sold down though most still fundamentally sound.
Platinum & Palladium Global Pt (in ore) output to increase at cagr 1.7% to 2020.
Oil OPEC monitoring committee – inaugural meeting gets under way.
Coal Christmas break and end of year activity slowed.
Iron Ore Steel and iron ore prices in China showing seasonal (winter) weakness.
Shipping Cape and Panamax rates slowed.
General
Steel – global output: continuing positive yr-on-yr growth from both China and world-ex-China.
USA Durable Goods, Vehicles, Electronic products – slow, variable growth