Base Metals and Minerals

US Fed policy a key feature for the 2014 commodities outlook but nickel, aluminium and gold are seen as subdued, while JP Morgan thinks US shale oil could still change the game in crude.

Weakness rules as traders set themselves up for December tapering, just in case. Dow down 129. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)

Markets are split down the middle as to whether the Fed will announce tapering next week or later. Dow down 52. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)

Talk from Fedheads that tapering may start next week has not fazed a Wall Street now resigned to the inevitable. Dow up 5. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)

As Indonesia plans a ban on mineral ore exports, brokers consider two key ores – nickel and bauxite – and the impact on Australia’s suppliers.

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

A surprisingly strong GDP revision put tapering front and centre on Wall Street last night. Dow down 68.(Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)

Wall Street swung wildly last night as positive US jobs data sparked confusion over how to respond. Dow down 24. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)

Iron ore supply/demand diverges, thermal coal gets some support and a conundrum in copper. Zircon, titanium dioxide pricing still soft.

Selling on Wall Street accelerated last night ahead of the upcoming jobs numbers and their monetary policy implications. Dow down 94. (Accessible only for subscribers before 10:15 AEDST)