Of particular note this week:
Oil: Last week there were forecasts of a range around USD 70/bbl and more. … This week American production is the threat.
Cu-Zn-Ni: are still the key base metals.
SUMMARY
Copper Glencore bullish on Cu outlook.
Nickel Jinchuan plans to boost Ni sulphate output by 40% this year.
Zinc & Lead ILZSG data: Zn & Pb markets in deficits.
Tin Tin premiums increasing on supply tightness, with Indonesian permit delays.
Aluminium Tomago smelter readying for industrial action. Largest electricity user in NSW.
Gold M&A’s are not likely to be imminent. Ore grades forecast to fall for (large) new projects.
Platinum & Palladium Having lagged recently Pt is now out-performing.
Oil Oil prices down on concerns re-US production increases.
Coal HCC spot prices down. Eskom’s perilous financial position scares South African coal miners.
Iron Ore Brazil ore shipments down due to weather. China demand down on winter restrictions.
Shipping Cape and Panamax rates down. Confusion over Indonesian laws requiring locally-flagged vessels.
General
Port of Singapore – shipping traffic: positive container & tanker traffic growth and minimal bulks.
USA – New Housing Starts: Low level in December
USA Industrial Production & Capacity Utilisation: IP – modest growth. CU – Resources strong.
Japan LNG prices: Increasing with rising (avg) oil prices.