Of particular interest this week:
China – Industrial & Energy output : Looks like transition to consumer economy is well under way.
Coal & Iron ore: China’s steel output expected to weaken during winter – this is a normal seasonal effect.
Copper: Two markets here: the metals market and the tighter Cu concentrate market.
SUMMARY
Copper China trying to cool its property market. Cu concentrate market tighter again according to TC/RCs.
Nickel Sipa Resources (SRI) Ni intercepts at Akelikongo in Uganda.
Zinc & Lead World Zn mine production to fall in 2016 & increase in 2017. South Africa – Mining Charter issue.
Tin The global Sn market, a small 378,000 tonnes in 2016.
Aluminium Potential for Iran to develop smelting capacity, adding to mid-East capacity
Gold Price down on US Fed interest rate expectations and loss of fiery Trump rhetoric.
Platinum & Palladium Pt market could move to surplus, after six yrs of deficit.
Oil Obama Admin bans offshore Arctic oil exploration.
Coal China’s steel output expected to weaken in winter. Improved Chinese thermal output.
Iron Ore China attempting to put limits on high iron ore prices. Prices expected to trend lower.
Shipping Conditions firmed for both Capes and Panamax vessels.
General
Port of Singapore: shipping traffic has positive growth in all main segments.
China – Output of Industry & Energy: growth supports concept of moving to consumer economy.
USA – New Housing Starts, Industrial Production, Capacity Utilisation. Sub-optimal growth.