Daily FNArena News - Commodities

Primary copper imports into China in the first half of 2006 were down 45%. Underlying demand is showing a diminishing trend.

The palladium price has far outrun the prices of other precious metals this year. Has it gone too far?

The oil price may have eased but observers agree any withdrawal of Iranian oil from the market, as a result of the current Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, will see oil at US$100/bbl in a flash due to insufficient spare capacity.

A flight to the US dollar and some glimmer of hope in the Middle East conflict has spurred the latest round of gold profit-taking.

The uranium market in a lot of ways mirrors the metals markets – increasing demand and tardy supply. Brokers are becoming more convinced of a tight market for some time to come. How best to invest in such an environment?

While talk in gold circles has been focused on investment in recent times, it’s easy to forget that primary demand for gold comes in the form of jewellery. How do higher prices affect the jewellery market?

Supply tightness and high demand levels look set to support high zinc prices over the coming months, GFMS argues.

Macquarie’s latest update on resources and energy leaves the trend for higher price forecasts intact.

What correction? The nickel price has now shot well over its May highs. The Chinese might be about to curb production but stocks are very tight.

In the second half last year, the nickel price suffered a 35% pullback following a Chinese stainless steel production cut. Well, they’re at it again.