Of particular interest this week:
WBMS 2014 summary data for base metals – See each metal.
Japan Orders to Machinery: Improvements.
Coal: Coking coal prices appear to have bottomed.
Iron ore: Believed to now be a floor price of USD 60/t.
Prices: Most prices in AUD terms are up, due to marked fall in AUDUSD (both on strength of USD and AUD weakness).
SUMMARY
Copper A two months martial law period is in force in Peru in Arequipa to support the Tia Maria Cu project.
Nickel Jinchuan calling on SHFE to accept foreign brands for delivery against Ni futures contracts.
Zinc & Lead Impressive drilling results by KGL Resources at Jervois in the NT.
Tin LME Sn stocks at lowest levels since 2008, but consensus of oversupply holds sway in the mkt.
Aluminium WBMS data and stockpile trends indicate consumption is greater than supply. Market is ignoring it.
Gold Gold price changes appear due to currency movements this week.
Platinum & Palladium Major Pt miners investing in fuel cell technology, to support future Pt demand.
Oil Saudi Arabia is turning down Chinese requests for additional oil. Supply is seasonally tight.
Coal Thermal coal increased its share of JPU output. Indian steelmakers enter Sept Qtr contract talks.
Iron Ore Iron ore prices responding to lowest Chinese port inventories since Dec 2013.
Shipping Freight rates for dry-bulk shipping continue to edge downward.
General
USA – Orders to: Durable Goods, Vehicles, Electronics and Computers (April)
Japan – Orders to Machinery – (March) by segments – generally improving
Baker Hughes – World Drilling Rig Count: (April)