Base Metals and Minerals

Analysts were ready for a weaker production report from Iluka but were quite surprised by the weakness in zircon sales. Caution required in a tricky game.

With little investor interest, it’s a traders market out there. Wall Street is jumping at each tidbit of news and speculation and last night that was positive. Dow up 181. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDT)

An ECB official last night suggested the central bank could recommence buying stressed eurozone bonds if necessary, easing fears in Europe. Dow up 89. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDT)

BHP Billiton shares have broken key technical support to the downside and the TechWizard believes rough times are likely to persist.

China’s copper demand apparently remains robust, which is at odds with recent economic data. The practice of borrowing cash against copper stockpiles suggests some misled assumptions with regard to supply-demand.

There was somewhat of a negative feedback loop across the globe last night as Europe returned from Easter and Spanish and Italian bond yields continued to rise. Dow down 213. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDT)

FNArena’s weekly update on short positions in the Australian share market.

Weekly update on recommendation, target price, and earnings forecast changes.

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

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities with arguments prices are not reflecting demand, expectations for more volatility and updates to forecasts and ratings.