Base Metals and Minerals

A late notice from the CME that metals margins would be increased turned gold and silver around big time last night. Dow down 60.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities with both Macquarie and RBS Australia lifting resource exposure in model portfolios, Citi revising its coal estimates and reasons why copper, gold and aluminium could find support.

Earlier than expected supply deficits in zircon and titanium oxide are sending prices through the roof, with producer Iluka enjoying enormous forecast earnings upgrades from brokers.

Renewed European debt fears gained momentum last night sending gold through US$1400 and the Dow down 37.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities, with October’s price gains expected to continue, reasons copper can continue to run and Credit Suisse’s order of preference among Oz iron ore and steel plays.

One broker has been quick to move on QE2-based commodity prices changes and subsequent earnings forecast changes for BHP, Rio, Alumina and Iluka.

Emeco Holdings updated earnings guidance last week and the market received the news well, with brokers continuing to see value in the stock.

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

Canada’s initial knock-back of BHP’s Potash bid has been met with relief by the market, but is the market wrong to now assume a buyback ahead?

Forget “sell the fact”. Are stock and commodities markets now in a win-win situation? Big jumps last night including 220 points in the Dow would tend to suggest so. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)