Of particular interest this week:
Ebola: the epidemic is in retreat! This is a significant achievement and a positive for West African projects.
SUMMARY
Copper Codelco to reduce operating costs by USD 1 billion. Global Cu output to grow by 6.3% in 2015.
Nickel SIR opening the Nova mine and ABU reports high rock chip values. Focussed beyond the near term.
Zinc & Lead Zn inventories down and price up! … note: this is against market headwinds of slow growth et al.
Tin ThyssenKrupp to buy Sn ingots from Vinto (Bolivia).
Aluminium Rusal has no current plans to restart idled Al smelting capacity. Disciplined.
Gold Bank of Russia buying gold (selling USD). Europe’s sanction decisions to be announced (soon).
Platinum & Palladium Zimbabwe: potential, but so much political risk!
Oil Prices bolted up on low rig-counts, and ME conflict.
Coal Chinese coal imports down in 2014. Supply disruptions: Kalimantan, Russia. Met-coal outlook improving?
Iron Ore Plans afoot for west African mine, in the face of the current market.
Shipping Shipping is slowing (ahead of Chinese New Year – Feb 19.
General
Ebola: the epidemic is in retreat in West Africa! We are surprised and encouraged!
USA: Durable Goods, Vehicles, Electronics & Computers. Vehicles – strong. Electronics OK but computers down.
Japan: Electricity Demand. – recovering from low levels.
Germany: Industrial Production, Durable Goods, Construction Spending. It’s a struggle.
nb: tables of Interest Rates & other Asian foreign exchange data