Daily FNArena News - Commodities

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.

Brokers ask if the recent Australian dollar weakness can help miners, see iron ore prices underpinned, tin in short supply and a deflation threat to gold.

Light activity, thin demand and increasingly stubborn sellers still delivered a small lift to the uranium spot price last week.

Iron ore supply is increasing and there are fears the price will plunge. Commonwealth Bank analysts take a look at what is most likely.

Commodity prices remain weak and base metal surpluses are expected, while a resilient oil price puts the spotlight on mid cap oil stocks.

The coal world is diverging. Thermal coal suppliers are under pressure while the outlook for coking coal is rosier.

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin suggests price and inventory moves provide clues China is looking to rebuild copper stocks.