Base Metals and Minerals

Zircon demand is improving while mining services companies look oversold and there is a depreciation dilemma looming for the likes of Woodside.

With plenty of central bank backing you might as well Buy in May. Dow up 130. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Jonathan Barratt of Barratt’s Bulletin argues the case for a limit on copper’s downward trajectory.

Weaker economic data from China and the US and frustration from the Fed meant the month of May began by living up to its adage last night. Dow down 138. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

A slight gain into further blue sky last night for the S&P ensured April marked a fifth consecutive month of gains on Wall Street. Dow up 21. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

In the wake of Woodside’s special dividend and increased payout, and following another asset sale from BHP, stockbrokers continue to downplay any talk of special dividends or the like from the big diversified miners.

It’s bearish near term for base metals amid surpluses for aluminium and copper and Deutsche Bank asks whether a rising US dollar can cap the oil price.

The S&P 500 just pipped a new all-time high last night as the risk-on trade returned to fashion. Dow up 106. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Wrap of events affecting the market on Friday night and the weekend and a preview of the week ahead.

Analysts have been left scratching their heads as to why an energy company would become a yield play rather than a growth play. The spotlight now turns to BHP and Rio, which like Woodside have deferred spending.