Daily FNArena News - Commodities

Renewed market optimism bodes well for metal prices but will it last?

A few big storm clouds that were building over uranium supply have blown away, leaving prices a little softer last week.

The outlook for iron ore remains nervously positive, gold remains flat, oil to weaken a bit plus a roundup of energy plays ahead of reporting season.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin believes something is about to give for gold and the upside is favoured. However silver is preferred.

As 2012 drew to a close uranium buffs had a few things to cheer about and after a rough ride in January, the direction remains positive.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin believes a low is now in place in cotton and the argument for strong upside is well supported.

Bulks are not expected to endure the wild rides of 2012 while there’s some potential surprises in copper and aluminium. And then there’s sugar.

As risk appetite returns and the global economy stumbles forward, does there remain an upside story for gold?

Market activity and the uranium spot price both heated up a little last week.

The outlook for LNG, while clouded, looks positive, while brokers are growing increasingly concerned about the tax burdens on miners.