Daily FNArena News - Commodities

An inflation theme is emerging while copper stocks are set to build and there is a battle for gold, but iron ore prices may not fall too far.

There was a little more activity in the uranium market last week, although it did little to help spot prices.

Investment U’s David Fessler suggests investors should position for a renaissance in global uranium demand.

Falling prices and economic uncertainty are weighing heavily on the gold sector, strangling exploration activity.

Recently expanded mines risk impairments, a rising US dollar is pressuring metals prices while copper fundamentals may actually be improving.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin suggests there is enough demand for physical metal to imply the April low in gold should hold.

The April de-rating of precious metals as an inflation hedge and safe haven has forced analysts to strongly rethink their gold and silver outlooks.

Commonwealth Bank analysts foresee softer copper prices over the next two years. After that, Chile’s number one position will erode and prices will rise.

Last week was a slow one on the uranium market, but there is increasing news, talk and hope that indicates demand must pick up.

After an upbeat end to 2012, funding for miners and explorers has all but dried up.