Daily FNArena News - Commodities

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities with updates on nickel and coal, adjustments to base metal prices and trade ideas for 2012.

After the excitement of a US$4 rise the previous week, last week saw little activity and almost a full spot price reversal.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin dicusses the longer-ranging price implications of the annual American Copper Council meeting.

According to Investment U, a recent pick up in the pace of consolidation in the gold sector is expected to continue in 2012.

Still tight market fundamentals and Iran adding to geopolitical pressures suggest the bias for oil prices remains to the upside.

Traders jumped back into uranium with a vengeance last week, sending the spot price up US$4/lb.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin remains bullish on gold, noting Iranian nuclear concerns add to the upside drivers.

Supply issues remain a key point of focus for the global oil market and differing views on market tightness have generated a range to price expectations in coming months.

Softening Chinese steel demand suggests a weak short-term outlook for steel but expectations remain for a tighter market and higher margins from 2013.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities, with cost curves expected to support prices, an over-reaction in iron ore prices and adjustments to metal price estimates.