Precious Metals

Silver finished 2010 strongly thanks to an increase in investment demand but industrial demand remains the long-term key to prices.

After seven days of solid gains Wall Street saw some profit-taking last night as the S&P 500 ticked lower. The Dow nevertheless managed a 6 point gain.

China raised rates again last night but an increasingly insular Wall Street was more excited about burger sales. Dow up 71.

M&A drove Wall Street higher yet again last night as other markets took a breather. Dow up 69. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

Investment U’s Steve McDonald believes turmoil in Egypt could open up some opportunities for investors.

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

Technical analysts observe market sentiment for gold has fallen to extreme lows.

A glance through the latest expert views and predictions about commodities with market conditions supportive for sugar, fertiliser and platinum group metal prices but less so for gold.

Previously peaceful protests in Egypt turned into clashes last night reflecting anger over Mubarak’s failure to step down. Global financial markets held their breath. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEDST)

Seasonal trends for February show a quieter period for equities in general but weaker returns on the Australian market, while Barclays Capital notes the US dollar typically struggles and aluminium gains.