Base Metals and Minerals

Forecasts for oil prices are revised sharply lower, with implications across the mining sector. Bell Potter looks at nickel one year on from Indonesia’s ban while Morgans contemplates miner cash piles.

Oil tanked again last night, setting off a big sell-off on Wall Street as traders focused on the immediate negatives and wider impacts. Dow down 268. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Chinese commodity demand weakens; iron ore price pressures continue; Chinese policy affects thermal coal; and Oz oil producers sharpen cost cutting tools.

Global economic weakness fears reverberated around the globe over the last 24 hours, before Wall Street managed a turnaround from the depths last night. Dow down 51. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

While Australian traders were concentrating on bank relief and US jobs yesterday, the rest of the world was posting ever weakening data. Dow down 106. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Nick Linton-Ffrost of Fifth Wave suggests a short-term trading idea in BHP Billiton

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

No new policy measures from the ECB, although rumour has it January might just be the month. Dow down 12. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)

Bulls prevail in base metals as value emerges in key stocks; challenges in tin market short term; pressure continues on junior iron ore miners.

Commodity prices were thankfully more stable last night as Wall Street pressed on to further new highs. Dow up 33. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEST)