Daily FNArena News - Commodities

Opportunities in thermal ooal plays are closing, two steel inventory themes play out for iron ore and the copper surplus is seen as increasing.

Goldman takes a look at metal price forecasts, while JP Morgan makes the case for improvement in refined zinc and Macquarie makes observations on the latest Chinese trade data.

The LME’s push to change its warehousing rules, coupled with the Fed’s rethink on US bank commodity trading, suggests the potential for significant base metal price falls.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin expects volatility to continue for gold but cites clear physical demand as a reason to be bullish.

Uranium prices continued to soften last week, with sellers scrambling to secure deals on ever falling prices.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin suggests inventory movements are pointing to a short term supply crunch, and thus bullishness, for copper.

Demand for gold jewellery has swelled with the falling gold price. Analysts look at what underpinning factors might give way.

Analysts have reduced commodity price forecasts over the next few years – across the board.

Gold miner margins were stymied despite the price rise in recent years. Brokers assess the outlook now the price has turned down and plans are being altered.

Stubborn sellers still need to pay the bills and opportunistic buyers are slowly being rewarded for their patience.