Base Metals and Minerals

A surprise improvement in the US jobless rate saw stocks rally early, but a run in the greenback quickly brought the market back to earth. Dow up 22 points.

Contraction for the US services sector and weak same-store sales saw initial strength on Wall Street fade before a last minute sell-off. Dow down 86.

The stock market attracted little interest last night but gold was in focus, setting a new record despite a stronger greenback. Dow down 19.

It was back to business as usual last night as the US dollar headed south once more. Dow up 126. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

Barclays Capital argues improving fundamentals and not liquidity have pushed copper prices higher over the past few months.

It was a light volume day on Wall Street for the end of the month as Dubai woes eased. Dow up 34.

Weekly musings from your editor. Some insights and observations regarding commodities for the year ahead.

Dubai debt issues overshadowed Black Friday, usually the only thing US markets are worried about on the short day after Thanksgiving.

Dubai has asked for a six month deferral on its debt payments causing European stock markets to fall over 3%.

A good jobless claims number meant new highs on Wall Street while gold nears US$1200 on a weak greenback. Dow up 30.