Iron Ore

While some arguments suggest it isn’t demand that is driving commodity prices but a weak US dollar SVB shows there has been no re-pricing of commodity costs away from the greenback.

Citi’s initiation today of coverage on Fortescue brings to four the number major brokers covering the stock, and three the number of Sell ratings therein.

Weekly musings from your editor. Meet one of the original proponents of the Commodities Super Cycle. He is convinced the best has yet to come.

Wesfarmers’ is a tale of coal and Coles. The latter surprised all brokers, but just how significant was the result?

Slowing global growth usually means weaker commodity prices but Barclays Capital suggests the current supply side issues across the commodity spectrum should support prices.

Centennial and Woodside have both performed well – too well for some brokers – but does the upside outweigh the valuations?

With China again leading the way steel industry consultant MEPS expects global steel output to rise by 5.7% in 2008.

Forget iron ore, forget oil, forget uranium. Strap in and get set for the next great commodity boom – in plain old boring coal.

Barclays Capital suggests the UK government faces a number of issues with respect to meeting future energy needs, with an increased emphasis on nuclear power likely to be the only real solution.

Weekly musings from your editor. If I were a shareholder of Rio Tinto I would have sold my shares today. All of them.