Base Metals and Minerals

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities, with BMO revising its commodity price forecasts and Citi seeing only limited impact from any review of the Oz tax system.

Equities in Shanghai are falling below technical support levels, weighing on sentiment for commodities.

S&P downgraded Greek debt to below investment grade last night and took Portugal’s rating down two notches. Dow down 213.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities, with commentary on lead, nickel and copper among the base metals and some reasons for caution on iron ore.

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

Wall Street managed to reverse an early plunge last night on vague EU assurances and some comfort from the President. Dow up 9. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEST)

Leading nickel producer Mincor likes to focus on steady shareholder returns through the cycles, frustrating analysts who expect all companies to maximise leverage, but pleasing long term shareholders.

Morgan Stanley has identified some more small cap companies where it sees value, while Macquarie has Boart Longyear on its Marquee Ideas list.

Another big sell off in Greek bonds had traders exiting the Aussie last night as the SPI Overnight headed south despite a flat close on Wall Street.

Positive earnings results including a cracker from Apple last night sent Wall Street towards its highs again. Dow up 25.